Don’t Trust to the Luck of the Irish, Send Parcels Now to Avoid St Patrick’s Day Rush

BRENTFORD, U.K. - March 6, 2015 - PRLog -- Tuesday 17 March is St Patrick’s Day, commemorating the Patron Saint of Ireland. It has become a popular event not only in its native country, but in many nations across the world. Global courier Fastlane International (http://www.wedelivertheworld.co.uk/) has considerable experience in shipping gifts to Ireland, the USA and across the world, and has some handy tips to ensure your St Patrick’s Day gifts and cards arrive on time.

Says Fastlane International’s David Jinks MILT: ‘You don’t need a four leaf clover to ensure your St Patrick’s Day gifts arrive on time, just plan ahead, particularly if you are mailing to more remote areas in Ireland.’

David says: ‘Firstly remember St Patrick’s Day is actually a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and Montserrat. Allow for this when shipping to those countries.  It is also widely celebrated around the world; especially in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, but is not yet a public holiday in those countries – although Canada is trying!’

Adds David ‘Ireland has many rural and remote areas that take longer to reach, and transit times do vary according to the location you are shipping to. All shipments to remote areas will be subject to a remote area surcharge and some deliveries companies don’t flag this up; ensure this charge is included in your shipping costs, so you don't have to worry about any hidden extras!’

And if you are planning any big St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), remember you can’t send fireworks or plants – in case you were thinking of sending Shamrocks or four leaf clovers!

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, it has slightly different shipping and import regulations than the ROI, usually the same as those applying to England.

Of course, the USA has many St Patricks Day celebrations, and if you are thinking of visiting the US and watching the New York City Parade, or one of the many others throughout the country, it’s worth remembering courier services to the USA are becoming an increasingly popular way to transport luggage and avoid excess baggage fees charged by some airlines. You may need to bear in mind St Patrick’s Day is actually a legal holiday in Suffolk County, Massachusetts and Chatham County, Georgia.

Many cities in Canada also celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style. One of the longest-running and largest Saint Patrick's Day parades in North America occurs each year in Montreal, whose city flag includes a shamrock. There are a number of groups who are campaigning to make Saint Patrick’s Day a national holiday across the country. Remember if you are planning on sending any Irish stout or whiskey into Canada that, like many countries, it has strict alcohol import restrictions. Alcoholic drinks can only be imported into Canada by mail when they are imported by or mailed to a licensed distiller or body and the alcohol content is no greater than 24% alcohol (e.g. 48 proof).

Says David: ‘Just about the one place celebrating St Patrick’s Day Fastlane International won’t be delivering to is the International Space Station. Astronauts have celebrated the day in different ways, including dressing in green and playing 100 year old flutes! Sadly they will have to wait for their gifts until their return from space!’

For more information about international deliveries see http://www.wedelivertheworld.co.uk/international-delivery/