Moving from the UK to Ireland
Ireland is the one European destination where the rules split in two, and it catches almost everyone out. Immigration is simple — the Common Travel Area lets British citizens live and work in Ireland with no visa. Customs is not — Ireland is in the EU, so your furniture is an import and has to be declared.
Do not assume the Common Travel Area covers your belongings. It covers you.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from the UK to Ireland?
| Home size | Shared load | Dedicated vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | £1,300 – £2,600 | £2,100 – £3,300 |
| 2-bed | £1,800 – £3,300 | £2,700 – £4,600 |
| 3-bed | £2,800 – £5,200 | £4,000 – £7,000 |
| 4+ bed | £4,000 – £7,000 | £5,600 – £9,200 |
Calculate the cost of moving to Ireland from your property size or your own cubic-metre figure.
Ferry Routes and Transit Times
Ireland is reached by sea, and which port you use shapes both cost and timing.
| Route | Crossing | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Holyhead – Dublin | ~3 hours | Most moves from England and Wales |
| Liverpool / Birkenhead – Dublin | ~8 hours | Overnight sailings, full loads |
| Fishguard / Pembroke – Rosslare | ~4 hours | South-west Ireland |
| Cairnryan – Belfast / Larne | ~2 hours | Scotland and the north |
| Destination | Dedicated | Shared load |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin and the east | 1–2 days | 5–10 days |
| Cork and the south | 2–3 days | 7–12 days |
| Galway and the west | 2–3 days | 7–14 days |
| Donegal and the north-west | 2–4 days | 8–14 days |
Customs: Ireland Is in the EU
Since Brexit, moving household goods from Great Britain to Ireland is an import into the EU customs territory. Used personal effects normally qualify for transfer-of-residence relief from duty and Irish VAT, provided you have owned and used them for at least six months and are genuinely relocating.
You will typically need a detailed valued inventory, proof of your Irish address, proof you are giving up UK residence, and your passport.
Goods moving from Northern Ireland to Ireland follow different arrangements again, so tell your remover which applies.
The PPS Number
The PPS number (Personal Public Service number) is Ireland's identifier for tax, social welfare and public services. You need one for employment, healthcare and most financial services. Apply through MyWelfare once you have an Irish address and proof of why you need it. It is not required for customs clearance, but it gates most things after arrival.
Housing: Budget More Than You Expect
Irish rents, particularly in Dublin, are high and supply is genuinely tight. Deposits and up-front costs are substantial, and competition for viewings is fierce. Many people moving to Dublin start in temporary accommodation while searching, which affects the removal too — if you have nowhere to deliver to, you will need storage.
Ask your remover about storage rates at the point of quoting rather than discovering the need later.
Dublin Access
- Georgian terraces have narrow hallways and steep stairs; large items may need a hoist.
- Parking for a removal vehicle in central Dublin generally needs a permit from Dublin City Council.
- Apartment complexes typically require booking a service lift and loading bay slot with the building manager in advance.
Pets, Vehicles and Practicalities
Pets travelling from Great Britain need a microchip, valid rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate. Dogs also require tapeworm treatment before arrival.
Vehicles must be registered in Ireland, and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) applies. There is a relief for vehicles brought in as part of a transfer of residence, but it is conditional on how long you have owned and used the vehicle. Check eligibility before shipping — VRT on an ordinary car is substantial.
Saving Money on This Route
Ferry capacity, not distance, drives cost and timing. Midweek sailings are cheaper and easier to book than weekends, and bank holiday weekends are worth avoiding entirely.
Next Steps
Price your move with the European moving cost calculator, or see the London to Dublin route guide for city-specific detail.