Dropshipping In Ireland: Step-By-Step Guide For 2025

Thinking about dropshipping in Ireland? Good call. First, dropshipping is one of the easiest ways to launch an online business. You don’t need to deal with inventory. You just partner with suppliers who handle storage and shipping while you focus on sales.

Now, why Ireland? Well, it ticks all the right boxes. Access to the European Union? Check. English-speaking? Check. Solid digital economy? Check. Think of it as the perfect market for anyone looking to tap into a dynamic customer base, expand beyond borders, and dropship in Europe.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about dropshipping in Ireland, from legal and taxes to a step-by-step walkthrough of how to get started.

We’ll also show you how to launch, grow, and scale with automation. For instance, AutoDS supports dropshipping in Ireland with local suppliers, marketplace integrations, and automated workflows.

Is Dropshipping Legal in Ireland?

Yes, dropshipping is 100% legal in Ireland. But, like any other place in the world, there are certain rules and regulations you need to comply with. Here’s what that means in practice. 

1. First, there’s business registration. You can dropship as a sole trader (simpler, fewer costs) or set up a limited company (offers more protection and credibility). Both are perfectly valid for dropshipping. Let’s break down their differences:

• Sole trader: This is the easiest route. You just register with the Revenue Commissioners, and you’re good to go. It’s low-cost (no big setup fees). But the catch is this: you and the business are legally the same. That means if your business runs into debt or legal trouble, your personal assets could be on the line.
• Limited company: A limited company is a separate legal entity from you. This gives you limited liability, meaning your personal assets are protected if the business has issues. It also carries a corporate tax rate of 12.5% (which, just FYI, is one of the lowest in Europe). The downside? It’s more complex and costly to set up, with more paperwork. 

Which one should you choose? The short answer is this: if you’re just testing dropshipping, a sole trader setup works just fine. If you’re going big and want protection and lower tax rates, go for a limited company (but be ready for extra admin and setup costs). Either way, it’s always best to get professional advice with local expertise before you make any choice.

2. Then comes everyone’s least favorite thing: tax compliance. You’ll need to register with the Revenue Commissioners (Ireland’s tax authorities). VAT registration becomes mandatory once your annual turnover from goods passes €40,000.

3. And last but not least: consumer protection laws. Since Ireland is part of the EU, you must comply with European consumer rights. That means: 

• Being transparent about shipping times and costs.
• Offering refunds and returns within the standard EU framework (14 days for most purchases).
• Providing clear product information.
• Complying with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) when handling customer data. That means storing information securely, only collecting what’s necessary, and being transparent about how customer data is used. 

When partnering with dropshipping apps, it’s crucial to make sure they comply with these rules. For example, AutoDS helps dropshippers in Ireland comply with GDPR laws by explaining how data is used, allowing users to update their data, and notifying users if there’s a data breach. 

Start dropshipping in Ireland with AutoDS to avoid compliance issues, connect with local suppliers, and integrate with the most popular selling channels 👉 Start your $1 trial

In short, dropshipping in Ireland is a totally legitimate business. It’s simple: register, pay your taxes, respect consumer rights, and comply with GDPR. 

Why Dropshipping Is Popular in Ireland

Dropshipping is not just popular in Ireland; it’s blowing up. Why, exactly? First, it’s an e-commerce goldmine. According to the Council of the European Union, Ireland leads Europe in online shopping, with 96% of internet users making a purchase last year (the highest number on the continent).

Plus, according to the Central Statistics Office, Irish online shoppers are big spenders, with an average annual spend of €2,708 (around $2,925), one of the highest in Europe. No wonder it’s a prime spot for dropshipping.

But there are other reasons. A mix of geography, economics, and strong digital behavior makes the perfect scenario:

• Access to the EU market. Ireland is part of the European Union. And the European Union = easy access to over 400 million potential customers across the continent. The result? No messy trade barriers, no complicated customs for EU deliveries. Just straightforward expansion.
• Strong logistics and shipping hubs. Thanks to Ireland’s location and infrastructure, products can be shipped quickly across the region. Dublin is a key logistics hub, with reliable connections for both domestic and international delivery. Looking for some help in this area? AutoDS supports dropshippers with connections to local suppliers, fast shipping, and automation. 
• English-speaking market. With English being one of Ireland’s official languages, it’s easy to create content, run ads, and sell to customers locally.
• Favorable tax environment. For entrepreneurs who decide to set up a company in Ireland, the corporate tax rate of 12.5% is one of the lowest in Europe. That’s a big win if you’re planning to scale from side hustle to full-blown business.

Put simply, Ireland offers the best of both worlds: a digitally savvy local audience and direct access to a huge EU customer base.

Best Platforms for Dropshipping in Ireland

Now that you know what you need to start dropshipping in Ireland, the first big decision is where to sell. Some platforms are strong on flexibility, others on reach, and others on ease of use. Let’s break down the most popular options for Irish sellers.

Amazon UK

Amazon is the e-commerce giant everyone knows. And Irish users are no exception. According to ECDB, Amazon is the most popular online store among Irish shoppers, making it one of the best options for dropshippers looking to make it into this region.

Another interesting fact? According to SimilarWeb, Amazon UK is the most used e-commerce platform, followed by Amazon Ireland.

Pros of Amazon UK

• Top pick for Irish online shoppers.
• Massive traffic and customer trust.
• Product variety and fast shipping options with Prime.
• Amazon integrates seamlessly with dropshipping platforms like AutoDS for full automation, product importing, stock monitoring, and more. 

Cons of Amazon UK

• Lots of competition, with a massive network of sellers. 
• Dropshipping on Amazon is famous for its strict guidelines. When selling on this channel, you should be the seller of record (meaning invoices and packaging should be under your brand, not your supplier), handle returns directly, and take responsibility for customer service. For Irish dropshippers, this means you need to carefully vet suppliers and ensure neutral packaging.

📦 Supplier’s Tip: Want to avoid compliance issues and keep your Amazon account safe? Use Fulfilled by AutoDS, which processes orders through AutoDS’s own supplier accounts. This way, invoices, packaging, and returns stay fully compliant with Amazon’s rules. 

Costs of Amazon UK

There’s no mandatory monthly subscription on Amazon. But there is a commission of €0.99 per item sold. So, once you sell more than 40 items, opting for the €39/mo Professional plan becomes more cost-effective. There’s also a referral fee of around 8%-15%, depending on the product category.

eBay Ireland

eBay remains one of Ireland’s most popular online marketplaces, with a dedicated eBay domain. It’s a familiar, trusted space for both casual buyers and serious resellers. 

Pros of eBay Ireland

• Well-known and trusted marketplace among Irish and UK customers.
• Great place to test multiple products and niches without building a branded store.
• High organic traffic where buyers are already searching daily. 

Cons of eBay Ireland

• Competition can be fierce, especially for generic products.
• Fees stack up quickly with listing and final value charges.
• Customer expectations for fast shipping can be tough if you rely on overseas suppliers.

Costs of eBay Ireland

The great thing about dropshipping on eBay is that it makes it super affordable and easy to get started without a big upfront investment. There’s no monthly subscription fee, and sellers get 250 free listings per month. After that, insertion fees are €0.35 per listing, plus a 10–12% final value fee per sale, depending on category. 

Shopify

Now, if you don’t want to sell on huge marketplaces with lots of competition, you can always build your own website. Sounds complex, but it isn’t. Shopify makes it easy to build a professional, scalable online business designed to convert.

Pros of Shopify

• Full control over branding, design, and customer experience.
• Huge app ecosystem for marketing, analytics, and dropshipping. 
• Seamless integration with AutoDS for full Shopify dropshipping automation, from importing products to order automation and more. 

🆕 Beginner’s Tip: Not sure where to start? Try the AutoDS AI Shopify Store Builder to create a fully designed Shopify store in just 2 minutes. 

Cons of Shopify

• Monthly costs can add up with the monthly subscription, apps, and themes.
• Since you’re not selling on a marketplace with built-in shoppers, driving traffic is up to you.

Costs of Shopify

Shopify’s plans start at €24/mo, with transaction fees starting at 2% + €0.25 per sale, going down on higher-tier plans. There’s also a €1/month trial for 3 months, perfect for beginners wanting to test the waters before getting started.

Etsy Ireland

Etsy is famous for handmade, vintage, and custom goods, ideal for dropshippers looking to sell print-on-demand items. Etsy has its own Irish domain, favoring local suppliers.

Pros of Etsy Ireland

• Massive built-in audience of shoppers looking for unique and creative products.
• High trust factor. Etsy is known for quality and craftsmanship.
• Setup is relatively easy and quick compared to other platforms. 
• Integrates smoothly with AutoDS for Print-on-demand services.

Cons of Etsy Ireland

If you’re wondering if you can dropship on Etsy, the short answer is yes. But, just like Amazon, it has strict restrictions, as you can’t sell mass-produced products. It’s limited to handmade, vintage, craft supplies, or print-on-demand items that meet Etsy’s creative standards. And these should be either designed or produced by the seller. 

For dropshippers, this means sticking to POD (print-on-demand) because it means they designed the product, even if a partner handles the printing and shipping. 

Costs of Etsy Ireland

When it comes to costs, Etsy has more fees than other platforms. First, there’s an upfront fee of €15 to open your Etsy Shop. Then, there’s a listing fee of €0.17 per item (it renews every four months). There’s also a transaction fee of 6.5% of the sale price. And finally, there’s a payment processing fee of 4% + €0.30, a flat fee for processing payments from Irish bank accounts. 

TikTok Shop

Social commerce is booming these days, and TikTok Shop launched in Ireland just at the end of 2024. It basically merges viral content with instant shopping, making it easy to reach new audiences. Products can be purchased directly in the app, perfect for dropshippers selling trending items with viral potential. 

Pros of TikTok Shop

• As of December 2024, there were 2.2 million monthly TikTok users in Ireland, proving it has a massive built-in traffic.
• Huge growth potential with Gen Z and Millennial shoppers. 
• Shopping happens inside the app where users discover products. No switching platforms or going through complex flows.
• TikTok Shop integrates with AutoDS for full dropshipping automation, from product sourcing and importing to order fulfillment.

Cons of TikTok Shop

• It’s still a relatively new platform, and policies and features keep evolving. 
• Success depends heavily on content creation and viral potential.

💡 Pro Tip: If TikTok feels intimidating and you’re not sure how to start creating content, you can use AutoDS’s Ads spy tools to see what’s already working. They let you check out ads from other accounts to check winning ad creatives and discover trending products. 

Costs of TikTok Shop

TikTok dropshipping is one of the most affordable ways to sell online. It doesn’t have a monthly fee, and it has a 5% commission per sale. That said, you should take into account that creating content usually costs money between editing apps, tools, and more. 

Facebook Shops

Facebook Shops takes social commerce to a whole new level in Ireland. With 4+ million Facebook users (as of December 2024), it’s a natural way to meet customers where they already scroll. It also lets you create a storefront inside both Facebook and Instagram.

Pros of Facebook Shops

• Direct interaction with Facebook and Instagram’s ecosystem.
• Easy to sync products and run ads.
• No upfront monthly costs.
• Facebook Shops integrates with AutoDS for full dropshipping automation.

Cons of Facebook Shops

• It relies heavily on Meta ads and content creation.

Costs of Facebook Shops

Wondering bout Facebook Shops fees? This is another one of the most affordable platforms for dropshippers. No monthly fee, just a 5% – 10% commission per shipment (or a flat €0.40 for small orders under €8). No charge per local pickup or in-person delivery. But while costs seem low, it’s important to take into consideration a budget for ads to drive traffic to your listings. 

Wix

Just like Shopify, Wix is a beginner-friendly website builder with strong e-commerce features. For Irish sellers just starting out, Wix dropshipping is a low-cost way to launch a professional online store.

Pros of Wix

• Easy drag-and-drop design, no coding needed.
• Affordable entry point for beginners.
• E-commerce features strong enough for small to medium stores.
• For Irish websites, Wix offers Irish (.ie) domains.
• Wix integrates with AutoDS, accessing specific dropshipping features like automated fulfillment, stock updates, and product sourcing. 

Cons of Wix

• Not as scalable or robust as Shopify for larger businesses.
• Limited advanced dropshipping without third-party integrations like AutoDS.

💡 Pro Tip: Dropshipping on Wix, but don’t know where to find Irish and UK suppliers? Pair Wix with AutoDS to access local vendors like Amazon, AliExpress, Banggood, and Costway. You can also import products, optimize listings, and automate fulfillment in just a few clicks, something that Wix alone can’t provide. 

Costs of Wix

Wix offers affordable plans, starting at €14/mo, plus processing fees of about 2.1% + €0.20 per transaction.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that transforms a site into a full online store. WooCommerce dropshipping is perfect for Irish sellers who already use WordPress and want the flexibility of open-source e-commerce. 

Pros of WooCommerce

• Free to install with endless customization possibilities.
• Works seamlessly with existing WordPress sites.
• Access to a wide range of plugins and themes.
• WooCommerce connects with tools like AutoDS for full dropshipping automation.

Cons of WooCommerce

• Hosting and premium extensions can add unexpected costs.
• Not as beginner-friendly as other platforms, like Wix or Shopify. It requires some setup knowledge.

Costs of WooCommerce

The plugin itself is free, but you’ll need hosting (€10–20/month) and domain registration (€3–15/year) for a simple website. You should also take into consideration third-party plugins and dropshipping tools.

Step-by-Step Guide to Launch a Store in Ireland

So, you’ve got your legal requirements, your taxes, and your selling channels. Next step? To take action and go from idea to first sale. Here’s how to set up your dropshipping business in Ireland, step-by-step.

Step 1: Define Your Starting Budget

First things first: set your budget. You don’t need a fortune to get started. Many dropshippers begin with just enough to cover the essentials, like a store subscription and dropshipping tools. And if you take advantage of trials, you can even start dropshipping with no money. As you grow, you can scale your budget into paid ads and more robust capabilities. 

Step 2: Find Out Your Requirements

Next, make sure everything is in place. Register your business with the Revenue Commissioners as either a sole trader (simple setup and lower setup fees) or a limited company (more protection, but costly to set up). Keep in mind:

• VAT registration kicks in at €40,000+ turnover.
• You must comply with GDPR when handling customer data.
• EU consumer rights apply (14-day returns, shipping transparency).

Step 3: Choose A Selling Channel

The next question you should ask yourself is: where do you want to sell your products? Not all platforms work the same way. Here’s a quick recap of some of the best dropshipping platforms:

• Amazon UK or Amazon Ireland – Top choice for Irish shoppers, high trust, but strict rules. Amazon UK gets higher traffic from Ireland, but both options work just fine.
• eBay Ireland – Great for testing niches with Irish audiences. 
• Shopify – Best for building a brand and scaling globally.
• Wix – Budget-friendly entry point for small and medium businesses.
• WooCommerce – Best for WordPress users looking to turn their site into a dropshipping store through this free plugin. 
• Etsy – Perfect if you sell creative, handmade, or print-on-demand products.
• TikTok Shop & Facebook Shops – Ideal for reaching younger audiences through social commerce and running social media campaigns. 

Step 4: Connect With An Automation Tool

Once you set up your store on the selling channel you chose, it’s time to connect it with an automation tool to simplify all the dropshipping logistics.

AutoDS, for example, takes care of your entire dropshipping workflow, from sourcing and importing products to optimizing listings, fulfilling orders automatically, and monitoring stock levels and prices. It works as your central hub for all things dropshipping, letting you manage multiple stores from one single place (even if you have multiple selling channels).

Connecting them to your AutoDS accounts literally takes three clicks. You choose “Add store”, then click on your preferred selling channel, authorize permissions, and that’s it!

Step 5: Find Products To Sell

Now we’re getting to the fun part! Finally, what are you looking to sell? What’s your niche? Who are you targeting? This is all part of creating your own unique offering and sourcing products that align with your brand. Some popular categories among Irish shoppers include:

• Home and garden products
• Clothing and accessories
• Health and fitness gear (big with younger digital-savvy consumers) 
• Tech and gadgets
• Eco-friendly and sustainable products (a big trend in Ireland and the EU!)

📢 Marketing Tip: Target both the Irish and the UK markets to scale and reach wider audiences. That said, be mindful of Brexit shipping rules.

There are many ways to source products, but it all comes down to two: manual or automated. If you’re opting for the first one, the process looks like this: you navigate the deep waters of the internet, put all your fave items in a spreadsheet, and then copy and paste every single detail of each one into your store. 

Got a couple of products? No big deal. But if you’re going for a large catalog, this would take forever. Plus, it’s prone to errors. That’s where the second way comes into play: automation. Sourcing tools let you research, import, and optimize products all in one place. This makes it quick and easy to bring items from your favorite suppliers straight into your store.

For example, AutoDS is packed with multiple sourcing methods to make it easy and profitable for you. It offers a huge marketplace, a curated selection of hand-picked products based on real-market data, trending items, ad spy tools, and supports 30+ global and local suppliers. 

Step 6: Choose A Dropshipping Supplier

So you’ve sourced your items. You know what you’re selling. Now, how to choose the right supplier? That’s exactly the next step on this journey. Here’s the trick: fast shipping is critical. Look for local, UK or EU-based suppliers to cut delivery times. 

AutoDS supports multiple UK and EU-based suppliers. Plus, it lets you filter products by supplier location and fast shipping, guaranteeing shorter shipping routes.

Step 7: Import Your Products

Once you have your products selected, it’s time to import them. Again, there are many ways to do this. You can do it manually, which could take hours, or you could rely on automation. 

In that case, you can use the AutoDS Chrome extension to import products you like in one click, or let AutoDS’s bulk importer grab entire product lists from supported suppliers and send them straight into your drafts, along with title, description, variation, and images. Just magic, right? 

Once imported, optimize them with SEO keywords that are friendly to Irish and British search intent. For example, switch American words for alternatives like “sneakers” to “trainers,” “cell phone” to “mobile,” or “pants” to “trousers.”

💡 Pro Tip: The secret to perfect listings? Giving them your own twist. With AutoDS’s AI Product title & description generator, you don’t have to keep product info just like your suppliers. You can instantly create polished, SEO-friendly copy that stands out—no copywriting expertise needed! 

Step 8: Market Your Products

In Ireland, marketing trends mirror broader EU and UK behaviors, but with some local flavor:

• Social media is huge. Facebook and Instagram are still strong, while TikTok is growing fast with younger buyers.
• Google Ads work well for local search intent.
• Influencer collabs with Irish TikTokers or Instagram creators can drive fast reach.
• Don’t forget seasonal marketing. Holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, and back-to-school are golden opportunities.

Step 9: Fulfill Orders

The final step is the best step: getting sales and fulfilling orders. Automation is your best friend here to let the system handle everything for you. This way, you avoid manual errors, repetitive tasks, and unhappy customers waiting too long for updates.

With AutoDS, fulfillment runs on autopilot. Orders are processed automatically, tracking info is synced instantly, and even returns are handled for you. Plus, you can use AutoDS’s own buyer account to avoid compliance issues. All in all, you get everything updated in one place to check order status and monitor performance across all your selling channels. 

Step 10: Provide Excellent Customer Service

Last but not least? Delivering good customer service. Two reasons why. First, because an outstanding customer experience turns one-time customers into loyal fans, increasing sales in the long term. 

But mostly, because in Ireland (and all across Europe), customer service isn’t optional. It’s regulated. There are certain things you need to comply with:

• Respond to customer questions fast, at least within 24-48 hours.
• Offer 14-day returns in line with EU consumer rights.
• Handle data responsibly under GDPR regulations. This means no storing or sharing more than necessary, and always being transparent with your customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business license to dropship in Ireland?

You don’t need a special dropshipping license to dropship in Ireland. But you do need to register your business with the Revenue Commissioners, either as a sole trader or as a limited company. That way, you’re doing things legally and paying taxes.

Do I need to register for VAT as a dropshipper in Ireland?

To dropship in Ireland, you need VAT only if your annual turnover from goods exceeds €40,000. Below that, VAT registration is optional but can sometimes benefit B2B suppliers.

Which suppliers work best for Irish dropshippers?

The best suppliers for Irish dropshippers are the ones with warehouses in Ireland or Europe for fast shipping and no customs complications. The most popular option is Amazon UK or Ireland, but eBay UK and Etsy Ireland are trusted as well. With AutoDS, you can filter products by supplier location and fast shipping to make sure you’re sourcing from UK or EU-friendly warehouses.

Can I sell outside Ireland if I run a dropshipping business there?

Yes, you can sell to EU and global customers from Ireland. That said, if you dropship across borders, you must comply with EU consumer laws and follow VAT rules.

Can I use AutoDS to dropship from Ireland?

Yes, you can use AutoDS to dropship from Ireland, and it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. AutoDS automates product imports, price & stock monitoring, and order fulfillment. It also gives you access to +30 global suppliers, many of them with EU and UK warehouses, helping you cut shipping times for Irish and European customers.

Start Dropshipping in Ireland with AutoDS

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to kick off your dropshipping in Ireland, this is it. Ireland has everything you need to build a successful store. It has access to the EU single market, a digitally savvy customer base, and strong logistics to connect you with Europe and beyond. But to really thrive here, you need the right tools. 

AutoDS makes it easy for sellers in Ireland to source products, automate fulfillment, and grow their store, connecting you with 30+ global and local suppliers, including EU and UK warehouses for faster delivery. 

It also automates fulfillment and inventory management, and allows you to manage multiple stores from one dashboard. In short? Your central hub for your entire dropshipping workflow.

Ready to start your first store in Ireland? With AutoDS, you can launch, automate, and scale without breaking a sweat 👉 Start your $1 trial

Written by:

Lola Rainero

Lola has focused on crafting high-impact content for B2B SaaS companies in the e-commerce and dropshipping space since 2019. With a strong background in digital marketing, she creates strategic content that helps dropshippers and business owners thrive at every stage of the funnel—from generating awareness to driving conversions. She translates complex software features into clear, actionable insights, helping online retail brands connect with their audience and stand out in competitive markets.

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