Ireland is a popular destination for Canadians shipping personal vehicles, classic cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and specialty vehicles overseas.

For anyone planning Car Shipping from Canada to Ireland, the shipment should be planned around more than just the ocean freight cost. The shipping method, export paperwork, Irish import rules, VRT, customs duty, VAT, local registration, insurance, and driving conditions all matter.

Choosing the Best Shipping Method

Air Freight is the fastest option, but it is usually used only for urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive vehicles.

RoRo means roll-on/roll-off. The vehicle is driven onto the vessel, secured for transport, and driven off at destination. RoRo may be suitable for standard running cars, SUVs, and light trucks, but personal belongings are usually not allowed inside the vehicle.

Container shipping is often the safer and more flexible option. The vehicle is loaded into a sealed 20-foot or 40-foot container and shipped by ocean freight. This is a better option for classic cars, luxury vehicles, non-running vehicles, modified cars, and vehicles moving with household goods where permitted.

GFFCA’s automotive shipping team can help compare these options based on vehicle type, condition, protection needs, timeline, and budget.

Main Ports for Car Shipping to Ireland

Most Canada to Ireland vehicle shipments arrive through Dublin, Cork, or Rosslare.

Dublin Port is the main choice for many shipments because it offers strong access to Dublin, Leinster, the Midlands, and northern routes.

Port of Cork is useful for customers delivering to southern and south-western Ireland, including Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, and nearby counties.

Rosslare Europort is often connected with RoRo movement and can be useful for south-east Ireland depending on routing.

Tax and Import Duties for Ireland

If you do not qualify for Transfer of Residence relief, Irish import charges may apply.

• Customs duty, if applicable
• Irish VAT, if applicable
• Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT)
• Customs clearance fees
• Port and terminal charges
• NCT or inspection-related costs
• Motor tax
• Irish insurance
• Inland delivery after arrival

VRT is one of the most important costs to check before importing a vehicle into Ireland. It is charged when a vehicle is registered in Ireland, unless relief or exemption applies.

GFFCA’s customs brokerage support can help prepare the Canadian export side and make sure the shipment documents are ready.

Car Rules After Arrival in Ireland

After customs clearance, the vehicle must go through the Irish registration process before it can be used legally.

• Customs clearance
• VRT appointment
• Vehicle registration
• NCT requirement where applicable
• Motor tax
• Irish insurance
• Irish registration plates

Driving Rules for Canadian Vehicles in Ireland

Canadian vehicles are left-hand drive, while Ireland drives on the left side of the road and most vehicles are right-hand drive.

A left-hand-drive car can be imported and driven in Ireland, but it may be less convenient for daily driving. Overtaking, parking barriers, toll booths, drive-throughs, and resale value should all be considered.

Tips for a Smooth Canada to Ireland Car Shipment

• Plan early because the complete process can take several weeks.
• Choose container shipping for classic, luxury, modified, non-running, or personal-effects shipments.
• Use RoRo only when the vehicle is running, roadworthy, and accepted by the carrier.
• Keep the title, registration, bill of sale, VIN, importer details, and shipping documents consistent.
• Plan final delivery using proper inland solutions.

Why Choose GFFCA for Car Shipping from Canada to Ireland?

Golden Freight Forwarding helps customers move vehicles from Canada to global destinations, including Ireland.

GFFCA can assist with container shipping, RoRo, Air Freight, export documents, loading coordination, automobile logistics and customs clearance, and route planning.