People sending packages and Christmas cards are being advised to get to your nearest post office as soon as possible.

The number of items that goes through the GPO in Dublin more than doubles at Christmas time, going from 2 million, to 5 million items.

Anna Mc Hugh from An Post says time is running out to send cards and parcels:If you’re sending anything to the UK and Europe, you really need to get moving Monday, Tuesday.

“It is very important for your cards and parcels and similarly then for the island of Ireland you have until Wednesday and Thursday or so but best not to leave it till the last minute.”