International Service of Process in the Republic of Ireland

International service of process is complex. Rules vary depending on the country of service, so it’s important to choose a process server who is familiar with both the procedures and the region.

DGR has experience effectuating service in over 100 countries, including the Republic of Ireland. 

Depending on what the service requires, we can:

  • Provide supporting information and documentation
  • Assist in getting difficult court signatures and affidavits
  • Arrange for informal service, if appropriate 

Our worldwide network and extensive experience ensure the fastest, most efficient service possible for our clients.

International service of process in the Republic of Ireland can be completed via the formal method of submitting papers to the country’s central authority as prescribed by the Hague Service Convention. It can also be completed by the informal method of service via a solicitor based in Ireland. Service by mail may be acceptable under very limited circumstances.

Process Service in Ireland Under the Hague Convention

International service of process in Ireland can be completed through the Hague Convention. Ireland signed the Convention on October 20, 1989, and ratified it on April 5, 1994. The conventions were put into force on June 4, 1994.

Ireland has objected to other methods of service provided for in Article 10 of the Hague Service Convention. The specific articles opposed by Ireland are:

  • Article 10(b)
  • Article 10(c)

Objection to these sections of Article 10 precludes the use of most informal methods of process serving. However, the Government of Ireland allows the effecting of service through a solicitor in Ireland.

​​Serving a subpoena in the Republic of Ireland is handled under the Hague Evidence Convention, under which subpoenas are instead sent as requests to foreign governments and courts using Letters Rogatory. DGR can assist with these requests as needed.

Learn more about the difference between the Hague Evidence Convention and the Hague Service Convention.

Translation of Documents

Along with Irish Gaelic, English is one of The Republic of Ireland’s national languages. There is no requirement, therefore, to translate documents as long as they are in English.

The Process for Service Under the Hague Convention in Ireland

According to Article 5 of the Hague Service Convention, process service can be completed in Ireland by sending documents to the Central Authority, which in turn effectuates service via methods prescribed by the Irish government. In Ireland, the Central Authority is the Master of the High Court.

For more information on what to expect during service under the Hague Convention, please see our article on International Service of Process Under the Hague Convention.

Informal Service of Process in Ireland

Although Ireland has formally objected to Article 10, which allows service by private process server, it has not precluded the use of an Irish solicitor to handle the service.

This means that in addition to appealing to the Master of the High Court, plaintiffs also have the option of hiring a qualified solicitor based in Ireland. This is sometimes a faster route than dealing directly with the Master of the High Court. It also allows the plaintiff to request that personal service on the defendant be effectuated by the local solicitor. 

Service of Process by Mail in Ireland

The Hague Service Convention allows mail as an accepted method of service unless a country has formally objected to it. International service of process by registered mail is allowed in Ireland, but this method will only record service to an address and not to a person.

Service by mail is further complicated by the fact that some states in the US restrict this type of service.
Assuming that the originating state allows international service by mail and that the defendant has indicated in writing that they will accept service, this may be an acceptable method of service.

Serving Legal Documents in Ireland

Because Ireland accepts both formal and informal means of service, it’s important to choose the method best suited for the plaintiff’s needs as well as the one most likely to produce results recognized by the court.
Whether it’s the formal method of sending papers to the Master of the High Court, or working with a solicitor in Ireland, identifying the correct method of service is best left to a process server with experience in your required region.

Our history of successfully completing service in Ireland has given us the expertise and practical knowledge needed to effectuate service as quickly and reliably as possible. When there are challenges in the process, we know how to adjust our strategy to keep the service on track. You can rest assured that our decades of experience and dedication to our clients will get you the results you need.
If you have questions about process service in the Republic of Ireland or any other region we serve, feel free to contact us.

The staff of DGR Legal are not lawyers, nor is our organization a law firm. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Rather, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.  Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

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