Mailing a package back home from Ireland?!!

We did send a package of books home. It was rather expensive and rather slow. We didn't have to worry about the books being damaged but they arrive in good condition.

I bought some Waterford Crystal which they shipped back for me (free ha, ha, so I can't speak to the cost of shipping). I was expecting this stuff to be wrapped in miles of bubble wrap but nope. Butcher paper and a sturdy box. Nothing was so much as chipped. Was slow in coming (o/a 8 weeks but U.S. customs may have played into that). All that said you're allowed two suitcases on international flights (including the domestic portion). I'd just buy a big ass suitcase and take it over empty (except for the painting boxes which I'd use for extra protection when coming home).

Thanks so much you all :] This will be an interesting experience. I don't care for the idea of waiting for the paintings to arrive months after I am already back home. Perhaps they have some sort of express mailing???

Sure, there is express mailing, but you will be shocked at the price. Shipping from here to Europe is amazingly expensive, and shipping the other direction is worse. Taking an extra, empty bag is a much better idea.

Hi Gail,
I haven't mailed stuff back from the Republic of Ireland, but as to Royal Mail [Northern Ireland] I have twice sent stuff back home while I was in Britain and it cost $100 for 3 8x10x6 inch boxes of clothes and for a single box of books, cds, ornaments and posters , same demensions, it cost about $50, difference being the weight. They both arrived in about 1.5 weeks from when I sent them [one was mailed in the country the other in the city]. Everythig arrived in good shape and none of my fragile items were broken. I too contemplated buying another suitcase but when I factored in the cost for excess luggage the airline would have charged me with the cost of the suitcase mailing was much cheaper.

Hope this helps

Elaine

Hi Gail, I haven't mailed stuff back from the Republic of Ireland, but as to Royal Mail [Northern Ireland] I have twice sent stuff back home while I was in Britain and it cost $100 for 3 8x10x6 inch boxes of clothes and for a single box of books, cds, ornaments and posters, same dimensions, it cost about $50, difference being the weight. They both arrived in about 1.5 weeks from when I sent them [one was mailed in the country the other in the city]. Everything arrived in good shape and none of my fragile items were broken. I too contemplated buying another suitcase but when I factored in the cost for excess luggage the airline would have charged me with the cost of the suitcase mailing was much cheaper.
Hope this helps
Elaine

Thanks Everyone :)
Back from Ireland and it was a totally magical trip!!!! Everything traveled very well and arrived back just fine. Nothing broken or damaged. Paintings and Paintbox,tripod,paints all just dandy. I did end up checking two bags. As it was - Aer Lingus to IRE allowed for two bags for free because I bought tickets before the cutoff date and baggage change.
Now planning to go back again hopefully very soon...............