Christmas delivery dates for Ireland, UK, EU and US 2026
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If you'd like a gift to arrive before Christmas, the most useful thing to know is the last order date for where it's going. Here are our Christmas 2026 dates for Ireland, the UK, the EU and the US, along with a few tips on sending drinks as a gift.
Last order dates for Christmas 2026
| Destination | Standard delivery | Express delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Thursday 17 December | Monday 21 December |
| UK | Wednesday 16 December | Friday 18 December |
| EU | Thursday 17 December | – |
| USA | Friday 11 December | Thursday 17 December |
Orders placed after these dates are very welcome, but they may not arrive before Christmas.
Delivery in Ireland
We're based in Cork and send orders across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland with UPS. Delivery usually takes one to two working days. Delivery options and costs for your order are shown at checkout, based on the weight of your order and your address.
For Christmas delivery in Ireland, the last order date is Thursday 17 December, or Monday 21 December if you choose express delivery.
Delivery to the UK
For gifts going to family and friends in the UK, the last order date is Wednesday 16 December, or Friday 18 December with express delivery. Parcels of drinks are sent by UPS courier, with a tracking number you'll receive by email.
Delivery to the EU
For EU addresses, the last order date for Christmas delivery is Thursday 17 December. We send to most European countries with UPS, and delivery costs are calculated at checkout.
Delivery to the US
Sending a taste of home to someone in the States? The last order date is Friday 11 December, or Thursday 17 December with express delivery.
Sending drinks abroad: what to know
- Duties and taxes. Outside Ireland, the destination country may charge duties or taxes when the parcel arrives. These are paid by the person receiving it, and the rules vary from country to country, so it's worth checking with the local authorities first.
- Local rules. Some countries have limits on importing alcohol. We label and pack every parcel carefully, but we can't control what customs services decide.
- Tracking. Courier parcels come with a tracking number, so you and the person you're sending to can keep an eye on the delivery.
- Age. Drinks must be ordered by, and received by, someone aged 18 or over (or the minimum legal age where the parcel is going). Someone may need to sign for the parcel.
For overseas or high-value orders, our team is happy to advise on the best way to send them. Just email hello@drinkshero.com.
Tips for a smooth Christmas delivery
- Double-check the address. Include an apartment number, an Eircode in Ireland or a postcode elsewhere, and a phone number so the courier can get in touch.
- Think about who'll be home. As drinks need to be received by an adult, a work address or a home where someone will be in during the day can make things easier.
- Sending to lots of people? If you're sending gifts to clients or a team, our corporate gifting page explains how we can handle several addresses on one order.
- Too late for the post? A DrinksHero gift card is a nice way to let someone choose their own bottle.
Need some gift ideas?
Our Christmas Gift Guide 2026 has our favourite gifts from what's in stock right now, from stocking fillers to special bottles. If you're thinking of whiskey, our Irish whiskey gifts for Christmas 2026 article walks through a few easy picks, such as Redbreast 12 Year Old, Red Spot 15 Year Old and Midleton Very Rare 2026. You can also browse our Christmas Gifts collection or try a few 5cl sample drams.
Happy Christmas from all of us at DrinksHero.
18+ only · Please enjoy responsibly · askaboutalcohol.ie