An Post Parcel Rates 2026: Domestic & International Shipping

It’s a familiar question for anyone sending a package from Ireland: how much will it cost? An Post’s 2026 rates have just been published, and this guide breaks down what you’ll actually pay for domestic and international shipping, with concrete numbers to help you choose the most economical option.

Standard Post starting price: €4.40 ·
Parcel rates start from: €9.00 ·
Maximum parcel weight: 20 kg ·
International Zone 1 (100g) rate: €1.65 ·
Effective date: 3 February 2026

Seven numbers in the new price guide, one pattern: domestic rates start low but climb quickly with weight, while international rates are tied to zones that reflect real geography.

How much is it to send a parcel with An Post?

Domestic parcel rates overview

• Standard Post parcels start at €9.00 for items up to 20 kg (An Post Post & Parcels).
• Delivery takes 3–5 working days within Ireland.
• For smaller items, the packet service (letters and documents) begins at €4.40 (An Post Price Guide).

What this means: the €9.00 floor is only the entry point. Heavier or oversized parcels will cost more, especially if they exceed the standard size limits. The catch: the official price guide doesn’t publish per-kg rates — you must use the online calculator for your exact combination.

International parcel rates overview

• Zone 1 (Ireland & Northern Ireland): 100g from €1.65 Standard Post, €2.95 Registered Post (An Post International Post & Parcel).
• Zone 2 (Europe): 100g from €2.95.
• Zone 3 (Rest of World): 100g from €4.00.
• Customs forms are required for many destinations (An Post Customs Forms).

How to calculate your exact postage

• Visit anpost.com/Price-Guide and enter item type, weight, dimensions, and destination.
• The tool provides quotes for Standard Post and Registered Post.
• For business customers, online booking offers track-and-trace features (An Post Business).

The implication: the calculator is the only reliable way to get a real price — published starting rates are just thresholds.

How much does it cost to post a 1 kg parcel?

Weight-based pricing for domestic parcels

• Domestic parcel rates start at €9.00, but the cost for 1 kg depends on parcel dimensions (An Post Post & Parcels).
• Standard Post accepts parcels up to 20 kg; size limits: length + width + height ≤ 150 cm.
• According to An Post Price Guide, a 1 kg packet (letter-size) could be cheaper than a parcel.

1 kg parcel international costs

• Zone 1 500g rate is €9.00; 1 kg will be higher (An Post Price Guide). No published per-kg table — use calculator.
• For Zone 2, 1 kg might cost around €15–20, based on available 100g increments.

What are postal rates for packages?

Standard Post letter/packet rates (from €4.40)

• Packets (letters, documents, small items) start at €4.40 (An Post Price Guide).
• Maximum weight for packets is typically 2 kg.

Parcel rates (from €9.00)

• Parcels (items over 2 kg or bulky) start at €9.00 (An Post Post & Parcels).
• Max weight 20 kg; max dimensions 150 cm combined (L+W+H).

International package rates

• Zone 1 base: €1.65 (100g), Zone 2: €2.95, Zone 3: €4.00 (An Post Price Guide).
• Rates increase with weight; speed (economy vs express) also affects cost (An Post International Post & Parcel).

The pattern: the difference between a packet and a parcel can save or cost you. A 1.5 kg box that fits within packet size limits could ship for €4.40, while a slightly larger box jumps to €9.00+. The trade-off: measure your item before assuming it’s a parcel.

What is the cheapest way to post a parcel?

Standard Post vs other services

• Standard Post is the most economical option for non-urgent parcels (An Post Post & Parcels).
• Registered Post adds tracking and compensation but costs more.
• Express Post offers faster delivery but at a premium.

Using the online calculator to find the lowest cost

• The online calculator compares Standard Post vs Registered Post for your item.
• International: the tool shows economy options first — check for slower services to save.

When to choose economy vs express

• Economy (Standard Post) is best for non-urgent, non-fragile items.
• Express is worth the extra cost for time-sensitive or valuable shipments.

The catch: cheap doesn’t mean fast — Standard Post can take 3-5 days domestically and 7-14 days internationally.

How much does the post office charge for a 10 kg parcel?

Domestic 10 kg parcel pricing

• Rates for 10 kg parcels are not published as a fixed price — they depend on size and destination (An Post Price Guide).
• Based on the €9.00 starting point, a 10 kg domestic parcel will cost significantly more, likely €20–30.

International 10 kg parcel pricing

• International 10 kg rates vary widely. Zone 1 would be cheapest; Zone 3 could exceed €100.
• Customs handling adds cost and time (An Post Customs Forms).

The implication: a 10 kg parcel is heavy — most senders should compare An Post with courier services for better rates at that weight. According to ComReg (Irish postal regulator), the parcel market in Ireland is competitive beyond the universal service.

What does a 2kg parcel look like?

Size and weight guidelines for parcels

• An Post accepts parcels up to 20 kg; 2 kg is a common weight for boxes of books, shoes, or small electronics (An Post Post & Parcels).
• Maximum dimensions: length + width + height ≤ 150 cm.

Examples of typical 2 kg parcels

• A shoebox-sized package (30x20x15 cm) filled with clothes or books.
• A small appliance like a kettle or a blender.
• Stacked DVD/Blu-ray cases in a sturdy cardboard box.

How to package a 2 kg item for An Post

• Use a corrugated box with cushioning material.
• Securely seal with tape and clearly address.
• For international, complete customs form electronically (An Post Customs Forms).

Seven zones, three rate bands — here’s the breakdown for international shippers.

The pattern: Registered Post adds roughly 50-60% to the base rate for each zone — a premium for tracking and insurance.

Upsides and Downsides of An Post Standard Parcel Service

For most senders, the trade-off between cost and security determines the right service.

Timeline signal

• 3 February 2026 – New An Post postal rates take effect (An Post Price Guide)
• 2025 – Previous rate period (pre-Feb 2026) (Citizens Information Postal Services)
• Ongoing – Rates are subject to annual review; check anpost.com for updates (An Post Price Guide)

What’s clear and what’s not

Understanding these uncertainties helps senders avoid surprises when calculating postage.

“An Post’s public price guidance says its Prices Guide is the authoritative reference for postal products and services pricing.”

An Post Price Guide (official pricing authority)

“The table shows Zone 1 rates for 100g as €1.65 (Standard Post) and €2.95 for Registered Post.”

Quadient (business solutions provider)

“Full schedule of charges effective 3 February 2026.”

An Post Guide to Postal Rates (February 2026)

For Irish senders, the choice is clear: use the Standard Post for everyday parcels and upgrade to Registered Post for valuables or tracking needs. If you’re a small business shipping heavy items (10+ kg) internationally, An Post may not be the cheapest — courier services often undercut the postal operator at that weight. The implication: always compare a few quotes before sending a large parcel. For more about An Post services, see our guide on An Post Post Box: DeliveryBox, PO Boxes, Costs & Locations.

Related reading: **An Post Post Box: DeliveryBox, PO Boxes, Costs & Locations** · **An Post Post Box: Costs, Sizes & Buy Guide Ireland**

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