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

March 10, 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 Internationalhas considerable experience in shipping gifts to Ireland, the USA and across the world, and it is urging people to act now to ensure 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 delivery 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!’

For anyone planning large scale St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), remember importing fireworks or plants is prohibited – 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 is also well known for its St Patrick's Day celebrations. Non-US citizens thinking of visiting the States to enjoy the New York City Parade, or one of the many others throughout the country, should bear in mind that courier services are becoming an increasingly popular way to transport luggage and avoid the high excess baggage fees charged by some airlines. It's worth knowing 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 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/