If you need a saree in Ireland — for Onam, a wedding, Diwali or a church feast — you have four realistic options. They differ a lot in price, delivery time, and one thing most people forget until it's too late: the blouse. This guide walks through each so you can pick the one that fits your date and budget.
Option 1: Local Indian shops in Dublin and Cork
Some Indian shops and home-based sellers in Dublin and Cork carry a small range of sarees, often alongside other goods. The advantage is obvious: you can touch the fabric and check the colour in daylight before paying.
The trade-off is choice. Stock is usually limited, specific styles like Kerala kasavu or Banarasi soft silk may not be in when you need them, and a matching blouse in your size is rarely on the rail. The quickest way to find current sellers is to ask in your local Kerala or Indian association's WhatsApp group — members usually know who has stock before a festival.
Option 2: Ordering from India
India has the widest selection and the lowest shelf prices, but the total cost is higher than it looks. Since July 2021, every parcel from outside the EU is liable for Irish import VAT at 23%, plus customs duty on higher-value orders and a handling fee from the courier. You pay these on delivery, and the parcel is held until you do.
Delivery commonly takes two to four weeks, and returns or size exchanges mean posting the item back to India at your own cost. It works well if you're ordering well in advance; it's risky for anything with a fixed date.
Option 3: Ordering from UK sellers
London and Leicester have a large Indian fashion scene, so UK websites are a common choice. Since Brexit, however, a parcel from Great Britain is an import into Ireland too. Import VAT and possible customs charges apply in the same way as parcels from India, and some UK sellers have stopped shipping to Ireland altogether. Always check the checkout for "duties included" before you order.
Option 4: An Irish online store
Buying from a seller that ships from within Ireland removes the customs step entirely. Veuxo's sarees for Ireland are priced in euro and dispatched from Ireland, so there's no import VAT or customs charge on delivery. Standard orders are dispatched within a week and arrive within 4–5 business days of dispatch — to Cork, Galway or Limerick as well as Dublin.
Current prices start at €26.99 for cotton sarees, with sarees that include a stitched blouse from €32.99 to €44.99.
The part everyone forgets: the blouse
Finding the saree is the easy bit. Finding a tailor in Ireland who can cut a saree blouse before your event is much harder, and a saree without a fitted blouse can't be worn. You have three ways around this:
- Buy a saree with a stitched blouse. Kasavu, Banarasi and tissue sarees marked "with stitched blouse" arrive ready to wear in your size — no tailoring needed.
- Use a stretch blouse. A side-stretchable silk blouse (€19.99, fits a 40 bust and stretches to 44) comes in black, white, off-white, red, rani pink, royal blue, bottle green, green and mustard, so it matches most sarees you already own.
- Book a tailor early. If you want a custom design, allow at least three to four weeks, and longer before Onam and Diwali when tailors are busiest.
How to measure for a ready-made blouse
Measure over the bra you plan to wear, with the tape snug but not tight:
- Bust — around the fullest part. Our size chart uses inches: M 38, L 40, XL 42, XXL 44, XXXL 46.
- Under-bust — directly below the bust. It helps you judge whether a combined size (M-L, XL-XXL) will sit snugly.
- Blouse length — from shoulder to where you want the hem, usually just below the under-bust.
Between sizes? Choose the larger one. A stitched blouse can be taken in, but it can't be let out much.
Which saree for which occasion?
- Onam (August–September): Kerala associations across Ireland hold sadya lunches and cultural programmes. White-and-gold kasavu or a Kerala set saree is the classic choice.
- Weddings and receptions: Banarasi soft silk with heavy zari reads as formal and photographs well.
- Parties and first-timers: a ready-to-wear saree or a tissue set saree is lighter and easier to manage.
- Younger family members: a dhavani (half saree) is often easier than a full drape — see dhavani vs saree for the difference.
How far ahead to order
- Local shop: Same day, if in stock. Extra charges: none.
- India: 2–4 weeks. Extra charges: 23% import VAT, possible duty and courier fee.
- UK: 1–2 weeks. Extra charges: import VAT and possible duty, unless "duties included".
- Irish online store: Up to a week to dispatch, then 4–5 business days. Extra charges: none.
For a fixed date like Onam or a wedding, order at least two to three weeks ahead, whichever option you choose. It leaves room for a size exchange if the fit isn't right.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay customs on a saree ordered from India to Ireland?
Yes. Every parcel from outside the EU is liable for 23% Irish import VAT, and higher-value orders can also attract customs duty and a courier handling fee.
Can I buy a saree in Ireland without paying import charges?
Yes — buy from a shop or online store that ships from within Ireland. Veuxo's Irish orders are dispatched from Ireland, so there's nothing extra to pay on delivery.
Can I get a saree delivered to Cork?
Yes. Veuxo delivers across Ireland, including Cork, with delivery expected within 4–5 business days of dispatch.
What if the blouse doesn't fit?
Size exchanges can be started within 7 days of delivery, as long as the item is unworn with tags attached. See our exchange policy for the full steps.