Transport to Ireland from the UK

Crossings and transit times

Holyhead to Dublin is the shortest and busiest route, with Liverpool and Birkenhead sailings to Dublin and Belfast also used. From a Stockport or Manchester collection, Dublin is commonly next-working-day to 48 hours on a full load and 2-3 working days on groupage, with Cork and the west typically a day longer.

Republic of Ireland customs

Movements to the Republic require an export declaration, Irish import entry, commercial invoice and CMR. Irish Revenue's pre-boarding notification system means paperwork must be complete before the vehicle reaches the port — we build that step into the booking rather than leaving it to the driver.

Northern Ireland movements

Great Britain to Northern Ireland traffic follows different arrangements to the Republic and, for many businesses, the UK Internal Market Scheme applies. We confirm which route your goods qualify for before booking so the load is not held at Belfast or Larne.

Load types and sectors

Regular traffic includes construction materials, engineering components, retail stock, food and drink, and plant movements. Hiab, curtain-sider, flatbed and temperature-controlled capacity is sourced per load, with unloading arrangements agreed at the delivery site in advance.

Local detail

Facts that shape how we plan your delivery

• Holyhead, Liverpool and Birkenhead sailings to Dublin and Belfast
• Full load transits to Dublin commonly next working day to 48 hours
• Irish import declarations and pre-boarding notifications handled
• Separate handling for Northern Ireland movements
• Hiab, flatbed, curtain-sider and temperature-controlled capacity sourced per load

Relevant services

Services we arrange in this area

Common questions

Frequently asked questions