Moving to Ireland
Ireland is in the European Union, but it lies beyond Great Britain, which no longer is. That one sentence explains why moving to Ireland means choosing a route even before the quote. 4RELO from Wrocław plans the journey so that your furniture reaches Cork, Galway or a small village in County Kerry without unnecessary checks or waiting in ports.
Two ways to the island
Direct ferry from France
From Wrocław we drive around 1,550 km to Cherbourg, and from there take the ferry to Rosslare or Dublin. The crossing takes over twelve hours, but the load never leaves the European Union, so there is no customs clearance. Sailings are not daily, so we set the date around the ferry timetable.
Through Great Britain
A crossing to Dover, a drive through England and Wales to Holyhead, then a short ferry to Dublin. This route is faster, but the load crosses the EU customs border twice and needs transit documents, a sealed trailer and a detailed inventory.
For most moves to southern and western Ireland we choose the ferry from France: Rosslare is close to Waterford and Cork, and no customs clearance means fewer surprises. The route through Great Britain makes sense when every day counts and the destination is near Dublin. We explain transit formalities on our customs clearance page.
Delivery times to Irish cities
| City | Nearest port | Approximate time from loading |
|---|---|---|
| Wexford, Waterford | Rosslare | 4–5 days via Cherbourg |
| Cork | Rosslare | 4–5 days via Cherbourg |
| Limerick | Rosslare or Dublin | 4–5 days |
| Galway | Dublin | 3–5 days, depending on the route |
| Dublin | Dublin | 3–4 days via Holyhead |
These are approximate figures. Timing depends on the ferry timetable, the weather at sea and the driver's working hours, so we give the exact delivery date once the crossing is booked, not at the first conversation.
After you arrive in Ireland
- PPS number. Ireland has no residence registration, but you need a PPS number for work, tax and public services; you apply for it after arrival, with proof of address.
- Car registration. A car brought in permanently must be presented for registration within 30 days, and Vehicle Registration Tax is payable, based on emissions and the car's value.
- GP. It is worth registering with a GP straight away, as patient lists are full in many towns.
- Renting. Tenancy deposits are recorded by the tenancies authority, and it is a good idea to have your lease with you on unloading day.
Country lanes and remote houses
Many people move to Ireland not to a city but to a house in the countryside. Narrow roads lined with stone walls and hedges can stop a large lorry a few kilometres short of the destination. That is why, for rural addresses, we ask for a map pin and photos of the access road, and if needed we transfer your belongings to a smaller vehicle for the last stretch. We describe this kind of work under additional services.
Ireland – questions and answers
Which route to Ireland is better?
The ferry from France means no customs clearance and less paperwork; the route through Great Britain can be faster. We choose once we know the destination address and the date.
Is there customs duty on a move from Poland to Ireland?
No. Ireland is in the EU, so your goods are not subject to duty. The route through Great Britain does, however, require transit documents.
Can you get to a house in the countryside?
Yes, although sometimes with a smaller vehicle. We check access before the move so as not to discover a problem on the day.
Do you move from Ireland back to Poland?
Yes, in both directions. We can also keep your belongings in storage if your new home in Poland is not ready.
Planning a new life in Ireland?
We will match the ferry and route to your address, and confirm the date once the crossing is booked.
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