Prescription delivery in Ireland helps people who prefer home drop off, have limited transport, live in rural areas, or simply want less admin in their week. Delivery is permitted when it is arranged by a registered pharmacy that follows Irish law and professional standards. Patients can expect identity checks, secure packaging, clear instructions, and an easy contact route back to the pharmacist if questions arise after delivery.
Is prescription delivery allowed in Ireland?
Yes. Irish pharmacies may deliver prescription medicines once the supply is lawful and supervised by a pharmacist. Good practice includes sealed packaging, privacy protection, and a record of who received the medicines. Pharmacies listed on the PSI public register are authorised to operate as retail pharmacy businesses. You can search the register to confirm a pharmacy’s details and location before you place an order.
Delivery makes treatment simpler for housebound patients, carers managing medicines for family members, and people with busy schedules. If a medicine needs refrigeration, the pharmacy will pack it with cooling materials so quality is maintained.
How prescription delivery works step by step
A valid prescription is needed for prescription only medicines. Doctors can send this directly to the pharmacy using Healthmail, which removes the need to handle a paper script. If you already have a paper prescription, the team will advise how to submit it. After clinical checks, the pharmacist dispenses the medicine and it is sent out for delivery.
If you will be away, you can nominate a trusted person to receive the package. Pharmacies cannot usually leave prescription medicines unattended at a doorstep or in a parcel locker because the law requires a secure handover to a responsible person.
To get a prescription from a doctor you can use our online doctor partner Zava. They will sent your prescription to us via Healthmail and we will have it delivered to you in 1-2 working days.
Costs and supports
Delivery does not change eligibility for state supports. Private patients can limit monthly spend through the Drugs Payment Scheme, while medical card holders pay a small charge per item up to a monthly maximum. People aged over 70 have a lower charge and cap. If you want a sense of typical pricing, see prescription prices. For a full overview of ordering steps, see how to order a prescription online in Ireland.
Safety checks you can expect
Delivery is an extension of in store care. Before dispatch, the pharmacist confirms the medicine, strength, dose and directions, and checks for interactions. Labels include your name, directions and any storage notes. Packages are sealed, and temperature sensitive items are insulated. At the door, you may be asked to confirm your address or date of birth before the handover is completed.
If something does not look right, contact the pharmacy immediately. Do not take a medicine if the seal seems broken, the label is incorrect, or the pack looks damaged. The team will investigate and replace the item if needed.
Delivery for repeats and long term treatment
Delivery is particularly helpful for long term medicines such as blood pressure tablets, thyroid treatment and inhalers. Where suitable, many people use three or six month supplies to reduce admin. If your prescription is valid for up to twelve months, the pharmacy can schedule deliveries throughout the year so you do not run short. For more information on longer validity and repeat supplies, read repeat prescriptions and twelve month prescriptions.
Set calendar reminders a week before you are due to run low and keep a small buffer where possible. If your doctor changes your dose, tell the pharmacy so they can adjust future repeats and avoid waste.
FAQs
Can pharmacies deliver prescription medicines in Ireland?
Yes. Delivery is permitted when organised by a registered pharmacy and supervised by a pharmacist, with secure packaging and a record of handover.
Do I need to post my paper prescription?
Often no. Doctors can send prescriptions directly to pharmacies using Healthmail.
Is delivery available for temperature sensitive medicines?
Yes. Pharmacies use insulation and timed delivery windows to protect the cold chain.
Will delivery change what I pay?
No. State schemes and pharmacy pricing apply in the same way as collection.
If you need a new prescription for a common condition and prefer a quick remote assessment, you can use an online doctor.
Questions about getting started or arranging a first delivery can be answered by the pharmacy team. If you prefer a step by step overview, see how to order a prescription online in Ireland.
