An Post: Track Your Shipment in Ireland and Globally
An Post is Ireland's national postal service, offering reliable mail, parcel delivery, and financial services both domestically and internationally.
Introduction to An Post Tracking
Welcome! If you're waiting for a package handled by An Post, Ireland's trusted postal service, you're in the right place. Knowing where your parcel is provides peace of mind, whether it's a domestic delivery within Ireland or an international shipment making its way across borders. While An Post offers its own tracking system, using a universal tool like Go4Track.com can simplify the process, especially if you manage multiple shipments from different carriers.
We provide real-time delivery updates for your An Post parcels, consolidating information into an easy-to-understand format. Ready to see where your package is on its journey? Track your An Post shipment now.
How to Track Your An Post Shipment
Getting updates on your An Post delivery is simple once you know how. Here’s everything you need to get started:
Where to find your An Post tracking number
Your An Post tracking number is the unique identifier for your shipment and the key to unlocking its journey details. You can typically find this number in several places:
- On your post office receipt: If you personally sent the item from an An Post location, the tracking number will be printed on your receipt.
- In shipping confirmation emails/notifications: If you ordered goods online, the retailer or sender will usually email you the tracking number once the item ships.
- Directly from the sender: For private shipments, the person sending the package should provide you with the tracking number.
An Post tracking numbers often follow specific patterns. They usually consist of a combination of letters and numbers, frequently starting with letters like R, A, E, C, or L, followed by nine digits, and ending with 'IE' (the country code for Ireland). Examples include formats like CE123456789IE or LP987654321IE. Always ensure you have the complete and accurate number for successful tracking.
Step-by-step guide using Go4Track.com
Tracking your An Post package with Go4Track is designed to be quick and easy:
- Visit the Go4Track homepage or go directly to our dedicated An Post tracking page.
- Find the prominent tracking input field on the page.
- Carefully type or paste your full An Post tracking number into the field. It's crucial to avoid any typos or missing characters.
- Click the "Track" button next to the field.
- Allow a few moments for Go4Track to connect with the necessary tracking systems and retrieve the latest real-time delivery updates for your specific An Post shipment. Your results will then be displayed clearly.
Common tracking statuses explained
Understanding the different tracking statuses helps you interpret where your package is and what's happening:
- Item Advised / Pre-advice Received: The sender has electronically notified An Post that a shipment is coming, but An Post hasn't physically scanned the item into their network yet.
- Item Accepted / Received: An Post has officially taken possession of the package and scanned it, marking its entry into their delivery system.
- In Transit / En Route: Your package is actively moving through the An Post network. This could mean it's travelling between sorting facilities, cities, or even countries.
- Arrived at Sort Facility: The parcel has reached a key processing centre where it will be sorted for its next leg of the journey.
- Customs Clearance: (Applies to international shipments) The package is currently being processed by customs authorities in the destination country. This step can sometimes cause delays depending on the contents and paperwork.
- Out for Delivery: Good news! The package has been loaded onto the local delivery van and is expected to be delivered later that day.
- Delivered: The shipment has successfully reached its final destination address and has been handed over.
- Attempted Delivery: The delivery driver tried to deliver the package but was unable to (e.g., no one was available to receive it, access issue). A notification card ('Sorry we missed you' docket) is usually left with instructions for redelivery or collection.
- Held / Exception: An unexpected issue has occurred, potentially delaying delivery (e.g., address query, damaged packaging, held for payment of customs charges). If this status persists, contacting An Post is advisable.
An Post Company Overview
An Post stands as the Republic of Ireland's national postal service provider, playing a vital role in the country's communication and logistics infrastructure. It was officially established as a state-owned company in 1984 when the Irish government divided the Department of Posts and Telegraphs (P&T). An Post took over postal services, while Telecom Éireann (now Eir) assumed responsibility for telecommunications.
The company's headquarters are famously located in the historic General Post Office (GPO) building on O'Connell Street in Dublin, a site of significant historical importance in Ireland. An Post operates one of the largest retail networks in Ireland through its numerous post offices, providing essential services to communities large and small across the country.
While its core operations serve every corner of Ireland, An Post maintains a significant international presence. It collaborates with postal services and courier partners worldwide to facilitate the delivery of mail and parcels globally, connecting Irish businesses and residents to the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond.
An Post's service portfolio extends beyond traditional mail delivery. It encompasses a broad range of parcel services, including domestic and international shipping, faster Express Post options, specialized logistics solutions for e-commerce (An Post Commerce), and various government and financial services offered through its post office network.
An Post Contact Information
If you need to contact An Post directly for specific queries regarding your shipment or their services, here’s how you can reach them:
- Customer Service Phone (within Ireland): 01 705 7600 (Check the An Post website for the most current operating hours and specific department numbers.)
- Customer Service Phone (from outside Ireland): +353 1 705 7600
- Email/Contact Form: An Post primarily uses online contact forms available on their official website for various queries like tracking help, missing items, or general inquiries. This helps route your request efficiently.
- Official Website:www.anpost.com - The website is a comprehensive resource for service information, tracking, finding post offices, and accessing contact forms.
- Social Media Customer Care: An Post often provides customer support via their social media channels:
- Twitter: @Postvox
- Facebook: /AnPost/
- Postal Address: An Post Customer Services, General Post Office, O'Connell Street Lower, Freepost, Dublin 1, D01 F5P2
For the quickest resolution on tracking issues, always try checking the status online first using your An Post tracking number on Go4Track or An Post's site. If you do need to call or write, having your tracking number readily available is essential.
Shipping Services Offered by An Post
An Post caters to a wide range of shipping needs with various service levels for both domestic and international destinations:
- Standard Post: The most cost-effective service for sending letters, large envelopes, and small packets within Ireland and internationally. Basic tracking is generally not included with this standard service.
- Registered Post: Provides added security with proof of postage, online tracking updates at key points, and a signature obtained upon delivery. Ideal for important documents or items of moderate value. Available domestically and internationally.
- Express Post: An Post's premium domestic service offering a guaranteed next-working-day delivery across Ireland (provided items are posted before the specified cut-off time). Includes full online tracking and signature on delivery.
- Express Post International: Offers a faster delivery timeframe for international items compared to standard airmail. Includes tracking features, with delivery speed varying by destination country.
- International Courier Service: A high-speed, fully tracked, premium service for urgent or high-value international parcels. Often utilizes partnerships with global courier networks for expedited delivery and comprehensive tracking.
- Parcel Services (Standard & Economy): Options for sending larger or heavier boxes both domestically and internationally. These services usually include tracking, with varying speeds and costs (e.g., Standard Parcel, Economy Parcel).
- An Post Commerce: Provides specialized logistics solutions designed for business customers, particularly e-commerce retailers. Services can include warehousing, order fulfilment, returns management ('Return Pouch'), and tailored delivery options.
When selecting an An Post service, carefully consider factors like the destination, urgency, item value, and the level of An Post tracking and proof of delivery required.
Delivery Time & Tracking Updates
Knowing the typical delivery timeframes and when to expect tracking updates can help manage your expectations when waiting for an An Post shipment.
Estimated Delivery Times (Guidelines):
- Domestic (Republic of Ireland):
- Standard Post: Typically 1-2 working days.
- Express Post: Guaranteed next working day (if posted before cut-off).
- Registered Post: Usually 1-3 working days.
- To Great Britain (UK): Generally 2-5 working days, subject to customs and transport links.
- To Europe: Typically 3-7 working days, depending on the specific country and service level.
- To Rest of World (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia): Can range from 5-10 working days or longer, highly dependent on the destination country's postal system and customs processing times.
Important: These are only estimates provided by An Post. Actual delivery can be influenced by seasonal volumes (especially around Christmas), adverse weather conditions, public holidays (in Ireland and the destination country), customs delays for international items, and the specific service chosen.
When to expect tracking updates:
Your An Post tracking information doesn't update continuously like a GPS map. Updates are triggered when the parcel is scanned at specific points in the An Post or partner network. Key scan events include:
- Initial 'Item Accepted' scan when received by An Post.
- Scans upon arrival at and departure from major sorting facilities (hubs).
- Scans related to international dispatch and arrival.
- Customs processing scans (entry and release).
- 'Out for Delivery' scan on the day of delivery.
- The final 'Delivered' or 'Attempted Delivery' scan.
It's normal to see gaps of several hours or even a day or two between scans, especially if the parcel is travelling long distances or awaiting transport connections.
What to do if tracking is delayed:
- Be Patient: Allow a few extra working days beyond the estimated delivery date, particularly for international mail or during peak seasons.
- Check Tracking Regularly: Keep monitoring the tracking number on Go4Track or the An Post website for any status changes or specific messages (e.g., 'Held by Customs', 'Address Query').
- Contact An Post: If the parcel is significantly overdue (e.g., more than 3-4 working days late domestically, or over a week late internationally with no updates), contact An Post Customer Service. Provide your tracking number and shipment details.
- Contact the Sender: If you are the recipient, the sender (who paid for the postage) may need to initiate a formal inquiry or claim with An Post if the item appears lost.
Common Issues and FAQs about An Post Tracking
Sometimes tracking doesn't go as smoothly as expected. Here are some common issues and questions:
Tracking number not working
Seeing "Not Found" or no results when you enter your An Post tracking number? Here's why:
- Typo: The most common reason! Double-check every letter and number. Copy and paste if possible.
- Too Soon: The tracking number might be generated when the label is created, but it won't show updates until An Post physically scans the parcel into their system. Wait at least a few hours or until the next business day after shipping confirmation.
- Incorrect Number: Verify with the sender that they provided the correct and complete tracking number.
- Untracked Service: Basic Standard Post often doesn't include tracking. Confirm with the sender which service was used.
If the number remains invalid after 24-48 hours (for domestic) or a couple of days (for international) and you believe it should be trackable, contact the sender first, then An Post if necessary.
Meaning of common statuses like 'In Transit', 'Out for Delivery'
While we listed many statuses earlier, these two frequently cause questions:
- In Transit: This indicates your package is moving through the An Post network towards its destination. It doesn't mean constant movement but signifies progress between scan points. It could be on a vehicle, awaiting sorting, or moving between hubs.
- Out for Delivery: This is the final stage before arrival. The package is confirmed to be on the local delivery van for delivery that specific day. Delivery usually occurs within standard working hours.
- Item Advised: Remember, this means the electronic data has been received, but the physical item hasn't been scanned by An Post yet. It's waiting to enter their network.
How to change delivery address
Unfortunately, changing the delivery address of an An Post shipment once it's in transit is very difficult and often not possible.
- Contact An Post Immediately: Your best chance is to call An Post customer service as soon as you realize the error. If the item hasn't progressed too far, redirection *might* be possible, but it's not guaranteed and depends heavily on the item's location and service type. Fees may apply.
- An Post Delivery Management Tools: Check the An Post website or tracking page for any options like nominating a safe place or neighbour for delivery. Full address changes via these tools are generally not supported.
- Sender Action: The sender might have options to recall or request an address correction, but this is often complex, slow, and may involve additional charges.
The most reliable approach is to always confirm the accuracy of the delivery address before the item is shipped.
Simplify Your An Post Tracking with Go4Track
Keeping tabs on your An Post shipment is crucial, whether it's a gift from abroad or an important domestic delivery. Understanding its progress provides reassurance and helps you anticipate its arrival.
Go4Track.com is here to make that process seamless. We offer a user-friendly, consolidated platform to get real-time delivery updates for your An Post parcels, alongside tracking for hundreds of other global couriers. Forget checking multiple websites – track everything in one place.
Ready for effortless tracking? Enter your An Post tracking number on this page or visit our homepage to track packages from various carriers. Track your An Post shipment now.
An Post Frequently Asked Questions
What is An Post?
An Post is the state-owned provider of postal services in the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1984, it offers domestic and international mail and parcel delivery, express services, and some financial services through its extensive network of post offices.
How long does An Post tracking take to update?
Tracking updates usually appear within a few hours of a scan event (e.g., acceptance, sorting hub arrival/departure, out for delivery). There can be gaps between scans, especially for international shipments or during weekends/holidays. Don't expect constant minute-by-minute updates; scans occur at key logistical points.
Can I track an An Post package without a tracking number?
No, effective tracking requires the unique An Post tracking number assigned to the shipment. Without it, neither An Post nor tracking tools like Go4Track can locate your specific parcel in the system. If you don't have the number, you must contact the sender to obtain it.
What should I do if my An Post package seems lost or stolen?
If your tracking hasn't updated for an extended period beyond the estimated delivery time, or if it shows 'Delivered' but you haven't received it: 1. Check thoroughly around your property, mailbox, and with neighbours. 2. Contact An Post customer service directly with your tracking number to report the issue and request an investigation. 3. Inform the sender, as they may need to file a claim with An Post, being the contract holder for the shipment.
How can I contact An Post Customer Service?
You can contact An Post via phone (01 705 7600 in Ireland, +353 1 705 7600 internationally), through specific contact forms on their official website (www.anpost.com), or potentially via their social media channels like Twitter (@Postvox). Always have your tracking number handy.
What does the An Post tracking status 'Item Advised' mean?
'Item Advised' signifies that the sender has logged the shipment details electronically with An Post, generating the tracking number. However, An Post has not yet physically received or scanned the package. Tracking updates will begin once An Post takes possession of the item.
Does An Post deliver on Saturdays or Sundays?
An Post's standard delivery days are Monday to Friday. While Express Post items may occasionally be delivered on a Saturday in certain areas, regular Saturday delivery isn't standard for all services. Sunday deliveries are generally not performed by An Post. Check the specific service details for confirmation.