How do you bring a loved one home from Ireland?

First 24 hours

What should happen in the first 24 hours after a death in Ireland?

Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. A registered medical practitioner must certify the death. In Ireland, sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths are reported to the Garda (police) and referred to the local Coroner under the Coroner's Act 1962 (as amended). Contact your insurer and FCDO. Note: the British Embassy in Dublin can assist, but Ireland's English-language system means families can often deal directly with Irish funeral directors without embassy intermediary.

The most important step is to contact a specialist repatriation company. They will tell you exactly what to do and begin coordinating with local authorities on your behalf.

Timeline

How long does repatriation from Ireland take?

In most cases, repatriation from Ireland takes 5-10 days. The fastest straightforward cases complete in 3 days. Complex cases involving a post-mortem, criminal investigation, or a remote location can extend to 21+ days or beyond.

What makes a case complex?

• Irish Coroner's inquest for sudden or violent deaths
• Death in a remote rural area (Connemara, Donegal, west coast)
• Bank holiday delays (Ireland has frequent public holidays)
• Post-mortem required before death certificate can be issued

Documentation

What documents are required to bring a body home from Ireland?

All of these documents must be in place before air transport can proceed. Your appointed repatriation coordinator will obtain most of them.

• Irish Death Certificate
• Coroner's release (if applicable)
• Embalming certificate
• Freedom from infection certificate
• Passport of deceased

Documentation typically takes 2-5 working days to complete.

Post-mortem

Will a post-mortem be required in Ireland?

Required for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths under the Irish Coroner's Act 1962. The Irish Coroner must be satisfied with the cause of death before releasing the body. Road accidents and drownings are the most common triggers for British nationals..

Adds 3-14 days. Post-mortem results and the Coroner's formal release are required before repatriation can proceed.

British Embassy

What does the British Embassy in Ireland do when someone dies?

The British Embassy provides consular assistance, which includes giving you a list of local funeral directors, helping you notify relatives, and advising on local procedures. What the Embassy cannot do is pay for repatriation, organise the funeral director, or make arrangements on your behalf.

Alternative option

Can ashes be brought home from Ireland instead of a full body?

Yes, cremation facilities are available in Ireland. Transporting ashes to the UK requires specific documents and must comply with airline regulations.

Getting started

How do you start the repatriation process from Ireland?

Call a specialist repatriation company. Do not wait until all other steps are complete. A specialist can begin the process immediately, even before the local death certificate has been issued.

You will need to provide: the name of the deceased, the location of the body, your contact details, and the name and contact of the local hospital or authority holding the body.

More questions

Other frequently asked questions about repatriation from Ireland