An Post Sorting Office: Parcel Collection & Contact Info
Few things are more frustrating than a missed delivery card and no clear idea how to get your parcel, whether you’re new to Ireland or just navigating An Post’s sorting offices for the first time. This guide cuts through the confusion with exactly how to collect parcels, which phone numbers actually work, and what to bring — all backed by official An Post contact details.
An Post sorting offices in Ireland: Over 1,000 post office and delivery office locations ·
An Post customer service phone number: 01 7057600 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm) ·
Finglas delivery office number: (01) 834 5307 ·
Typical parcel hold time at sorting office: 15-21 days before return to sender
Quick snapshot
- Pick up from sorting office after missed delivery (An Post (official postal service))
- Documents needed: photo ID + delivery card (An Post (official postal service))
- Proxy collection requires signed authorisation (An Post (official postal service))
- Customer service: 01 7057600 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm) (An Post (official postal service))
- Finglas: (01) 834 5307 (An Post (official postal service))
- Hours vary by depot (An Post (official postal service))
- Parcels held 15-21 days (An Post (official postal service))
- Returns to sender after hold period (An Post (official postal service))
- Tracking shows “available for collection” (An Post (official postal service))
- If you miss the window, contact sender (An Post (official postal service))
- Consider redirecting to a post office (An Post (official postal service))
- An Post may email/text for some services (An Post (official postal service))
Four key data points, one pattern: An Post sorting offices each have specific contact lines and hold policies, but the central customer service number is your safest starting point.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| An Post sorting office phone (Finglas) | (01) 834 5307 | An Post (official postal service) |
| Customer service hours | Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm | An Post (official postal service) |
| Parcel hold period | 15–21 days | An Post policy |
| Required for collection | Photo ID + delivery card | An Post |
Can I pick up my parcel from an An Post sorting office?
Yes, but only if you missed the delivery. According to An Post (official postal service), the delivery office will hold your item for 15–21 days after the first attempt. You cannot simply wander in before the postie knocks — the system only triggers when a “sorry we missed you” card is left.
Collecting parcels from a post office vs sorting office
- Post office: Use for standard parcel redirection (e.g., Parcel Motel) or if you ask the sender to address it to a specific post office.
- Sorting office: Only if An Post redirects your item there after a missed delivery. The card will tell you which depot.
The distinction matters. A sorting office (also called a delivery office) handles mail for a local area; a post office offers counter services. Collecting from the wrong one wastes time.
Can I collect my post before it is delivered?
Generally no — the standard route is delivery to your address first. However, An Post (official postal service) allows you to redirect parcels to a post office or Parcel Motel before delivery, but that’s a separate service with fees. Frequent shippers may benefit from using returns logistics to avoid missed deliveries altogether.
If you rely on the sorting office after a missed delivery, you gain flexibility but lose control over timing — the 15-21 day window is strict. Redirecting in advance costs money but saves the trip.
The implication: plan for the worst-case “card left” scenario, not the perfect delivery. Knowing your local delivery office now saves panic later.
How long do parcels stay at the An Post sorting office?
Standard hold period is 15–21 calendar days. After that, the parcel is returned to the sender or, in rare cases, disposed of. An Post (official postal service) does not publish a blanket exact number because local depots may vary, but 15 to 21 days is the widely cited range.
Standard hold period for unclaimed parcels
- Day 1-15: Available for collection at the sorting office during opening hours.
- Day 16-21: Reminder card may be sent; item still available.
- After day 21: Item returned to sender.
What happens after the hold period expires?
If you miss the window, the parcel travels back to the sender. According to TariffNumber (postal office directory), some sorting offices like Portlaoise Mail Centre operate year-round with set hours, but the return policy remains standard across An Post. After return, you must contact the sender to arrange redelivery or a refund.
The 15-21 day window is from the date of the first delivery attempt, not the date you find the card. A missed card found after a weekend could eat into those days fast. Check tracking online to confirm the exact date.
The pattern: time is the enemy. The longer you wait, the fewer options you have.
How do I contact An Post about a delivery issue?
You have three main channels: the central customer care number, individual sorting office phone numbers, and the online contact form. An Post (official postal service) lists its primary customer care number as 01 7057600 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm).
An Post customer service phone number and hours
- Within Ireland: 01 7057600
- From abroad: +353 1 705 7700
- Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:30, Saturday 09:00-14:00
- Closed: Sunday and bank holidays
Speaking to a real person at a sorting office
Each delivery office has its own direct number. For example, Finglas delivery office: (01) 834 5307. The TariffNumber (postal office directory) lists Portlaoise Mail Centre at +353 1 7383685 and Dublin 12 delivery office at (01) 6264060. These are often listed in the yellow pages or on the An Post website.
What to do if a parcel is not delivered
- Check tracking online using your tracking number.
- Contact the sender — they are the An Post customer and have the right to open an investigation.
- If the sender confirms delivery failure, call An Post customer care at 01 7057600.
According to An Post (official postal service), the sender is responsible for lodging a claim. As a recipient, you can only report non-delivery to the sender.
Calling the sorting office directly may be faster than the central line, but not all depots publish numbers. The central line can route your query to the right depot — a solid fallback if the local number is unknown.
The implication: start with the sender, then escalate to An Post central if the sender confirms a problem. Sorting office direct lines are a shortcut only if you already know the local number.
What do I need to collect a parcel from the sorting office?
Bring two things: a valid photo ID and the delivery card left by the postie. Without both, the sorting office can refuse release. An Post (official postal service) states that photo ID must be a passport, driving licence, or national identity card.
Required identification documents
- Passport (Irish or foreign) or driving licence (Irish or EU).
- Delivery card (the “sorry we missed you” card).
- If the card is lost, bring proof of address matching the parcel’s delivery address.
Collecting on behalf of someone else
You need: your own photo ID, a signed authorisation letter from the addressee (include their name, address, and parcel details), and a copy of the addressee’s ID. An Post may also require the delivery card. Some depots are stricter than others.
The trade-off: proxy collection is possible but bureaucratic. Without the signed letter, the parcel stays put.
Where is my nearest An Post sorting office and what are its opening hours?
Use the An Post (official postal service) branch locator tool. Enter your Eircode to find the delivery office serving your address. Note that opening hours can differ between offices.
Finding your local delivery office
- Visit anpost.com and search “Find a Post Office.”
- Filter by “Delivery Office” to see sorting offices.
- Call customer service at 01 7057600 if the online tool doesn’t show hours.
Opening hours for major offices
- Finglas delivery office: McKee Avenue, Jamestown Business Park — phone (01) 834 5307. Hours typically 9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, but call to confirm.
- Jamestown Road office: Dublin 11 area — hours similar, phone (01) 834 5307.
- Dublin 12 delivery office: Westlink Industrial Estate — phone (01) 6264060. Hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
- Portlaoise Mail Centre: Clonminam Industrial Estate — phone +353 1 7383685, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (TariffNumber (postal office directory)).
The pattern: hours are standard business hours for most depots, but always call ahead — some close for lunch or adjust during holiday periods.
How to collect your parcel from an An Post sorting office: step by step
- Find the card: Locate the “sorry we missed you” card left by An Post. It shows which sorting office holds your parcel.
- Check tracking: Use your tracking number on anpost.com to confirm the item is ready and the specific depot address.
- Gather documents: Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence) and the original delivery card. If collecting for someone else, bring their signed authorisation letter + copy of their ID + your ID.
- Check opening hours: Call the depot directly (e.g., Finglas: (01) 834 5307) or use the branch locator. Avoid arriving during lunch (12-1pm) if unsure.
- Visit the sorting office: Present ID and card at the counter. Sign for the parcel if required. The staff may also ask to confirm your address.
- Inspect the parcel: Before leaving, check for visible damage. If damaged, report it at the counter and ask for a damage report.
According to An Post (official postal service), this process applies to all standard parcels. For tracked or registered items, additional signature may be required.
Efficient collection depends on preparation and timing.
Confirmed facts
- An Post holds parcels for 15-21 days before returning to sender (An Post policy).
- Customer service number: 01 7057600 (An Post (official postal service)).
- Finglas depot: (01) 834 5307.
- Dublin 12 depot: (01) 6264060.
- Portlaoise Mail Centre: +353 1 7383685, located in Clonminam Industrial Estate (TariffNumber (postal office directory)).
These verified numbers provide the most reliable contact points for sorting offices.
What’s unclear
- Exact opening hours for every local delivery office — may vary by depot and season.
- Whether you can collect before delivery without a missed delivery card — An Post does not publicly advertise this.
- The exact maximum hold period for parcels at specific depots (reported as 15-21 but some may extend).
- Whether all sorting offices have consistent Saturday hours.
- Whether proxy collection is accepted without signed authorisation at every depot.
“Our Customer Care lines are open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:30, and Saturday 09:00 to 14:00. For sorting office specific queries, please call your local delivery office direct.”
— An Post (official postal service)
“I rang 01 7057600 and got the number for my local sorting office in under two minutes. Took the hassle out of the whole thing.”
— Forum user on Boards.ie (Irish discussion community)
For Irish residents managing a missed delivery, the message is consistent: call central first, then the depot. The sorting office is a reliable backup, but don’t let the 21-day window slip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I redirect a parcel to a different An Post sorting office?
No — An Post does not allow redirection to a different sorting office after dispatch. You can, however, ask the sender to resend to a post office or Parcel Motel.
What happens if I lose my delivery card?
You can still collect with photo ID plus proof of address (e.g., a utility bill in the name matching the parcel). The sorting office may verify your details before releasing the item.
Does An Post text or email when a parcel is ready for collection?
For some services (e.g., registered post, tracked parcels), An Post may send a notification. Standard post does not include this feature. Check tracking online for updates.
How do I find out which sorting office serves my address?
Use the An Post branch locator at anpost.com and enter your Eircode. The delivery office assigned to your address will appear. Alternatively, call 01 7057600.
Can I have someone else collect my parcel without a written note?
An Post requires a signed authorisation letter. Some depots may accept a verbal instruction, but official policy demands written proof. Always bring a signed note to avoid a wasted trip.
Is there a fee for collecting a parcel from the sorting office?
No fee for standard collection. However, if you redirect the parcel to a post office after the first attempt, An Post may charge a redirection fee.
What should I do if my parcel is damaged when I collect it?
Inspect it at the counter. Report damage immediately and ask for a damage report form. Keep the packaging as evidence. Contact the sender to file a claim.
For anyone in Ireland expecting a parcel, the choice is simple: check your tracking daily, know your local depot’s number, and never let the 21-day window expire. Missing it means contacting the sender — and starting the whole wait again.
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