An Post issues reminder of last dates for posting in time for Christmas

An Post has issued some final pieces of posting advice to customers sending cards and parcels this festive season.

The latest dates for posting to the UK and Ireland are just around the corner, and the national postal service is encouraging customers to get down to their local post office this weekend to get their final Christmas cards and gifts into the mail.

All 900 post offices nationwide will open all day this Saturday, while full letter and parcel deliveries nationwide will also take place that day.

Today (Thursday) was officially the last posting day for parcels heading to Europe, and next Monday, December 18, is the last day for sending letters and cards to Europe.

For posting cards and parcels to England, Scotland and Wales, Monday the 18th is the final date for posting for delivery in time for Christmas.

For posting within the Republic of Ireland, customers have until Thursday, December 21, to send their cards and parcels - but An Post is urging customers not to leave it until the last minute.

An Post's Sarah O'Dwyer said: "Card and parcel volumes are soaring internationally so we urge customers not to leave it until the last minute to post to family and friends at home and abroad.

"There'll be full postal deliveries across Ireland this Saturday and Post Offices will be open all day for gift shopping, posting and banking services."