Can I use a Cork notary if I live in another county?

Yes. A Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland can provide notarial services to anyone, regardless of where they live. You are welcome to use our Douglas office from anywhere in Munster or Ireland.

How can I prepare for a long journey to the office?

Email your documents to info@phelansolicitors.com in advance. We will review them and have everything prepared so your visit is as efficient as possible.

Do you offer same-day appointments for travellers?

Yes. We understand that clients travelling from outside Cork need flexibility. Call (021) 489 7134 or 086 390 7815 to arrange an urgent appointment.

Is there a notary public closer to me?

Notaries public are less common than solicitors in Ireland. While there may be a notary closer to you, our office offers specialist expertise, dual qualification, and same-day availability that may not be available elsewhere.

Notary Public Services Across Munster — Serving from Cork

Hugh Phelan provides professional notary public services to clients across the entire Munster region from his office in Douglas, Cork. Whether you’re in County Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, or Clare, our centrally-located Cork office offers convenient access to a full range of notarial services.

Serving All Six Munster Counties

As a Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland and commissioned for life, Hugh Phelan is authorised to provide notarial services throughout Ireland. Our Douglas office is strategically located to serve the entire Munster province, which encompasses six counties and a population of over 1.3 million people.

County Cork

Our home county. Douglas sits at the heart of Cork’s road network, accessible via the N40 South Ring Road from all directions. Whether you’re in Cork city, West Cork, East Cork, or North Cork, our office is typically within 30–90 minutes’ drive. Cork is Ireland’s largest county by area and second-largest by population, with a diverse economy spanning pharmaceuticals, technology, agriculture, and tourism.

County Kerry

Kerry is approximately 90–120 minutes from our Douglas office via the N22 through Macroom and Killarney, or via the N21 through Newcastlewest. The Kingdom’s strong tourism industry and international connections mean Kerry residents frequently need notarial services for property, immigration, and business documents.

County Limerick

Limerick city is approximately 90 minutes from Douglas via the M20/N20 motorway. The third-largest city in Ireland, Limerick has a thriving business community with significant multinational presence. Residents across County Limerick can reach our office via the excellent N20/M20 road network.

County Tipperary

South Tipperary is accessible from Cork via the M8 motorway, with Cahir approximately 75 minutes away and Clonmel approximately 90 minutes. North Tipperary towns such as Thurles and Nenagh are somewhat further but still within reasonable reach for notarial appointments.

County Waterford

Waterford city is approximately 90 minutes from Douglas via the N25. The N25 provides a direct dual carriageway route through East Cork and into County Waterford. Dungarvan, on the Cork–Waterford road, is approximately 75 minutes away.

County Clare

While further from Cork, County Clare residents can reach our office in approximately 2–2.5 hours via the M20/M18 motorway network through Limerick. For Clare residents, we recommend emailing documents in advance so that everything is prepared for your visit.

Why Travel to Cork for Notary Services?

Notaries public are relatively rare in Ireland compared to solicitors. While every county has solicitors, dedicated notary public practitioners are concentrated in larger centres. Our Douglas office provides:

Specialist expertise: Hugh Phelan holds a Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice, ensuring your documents meet international standards
Dual qualification: As a solicitor qualified in both Ireland and England & Wales, Hugh brings unique cross-jurisdictional knowledge
Lifetime appointment: Appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland, providing the highest level of authority and trust
Same-day service: Urgent appointments are frequently available, ideal for clients travelling from outside Cork
Advance preparation: Email documents ahead of your visit so everything is ready when you arrive

Travel Times from Key Munster Towns

Killarney: ~90 minutes via N22
Tralee: ~120 minutes via N21/N22
Limerick City: ~90 minutes via N20/M20
Thurles: ~100 minutes via M8
Clonmel: ~90 minutes via M8/N24
Waterford City: ~90 minutes via N25
Mallow: ~40 minutes via N20
Bantry: ~75 minutes via N71
Skibbereen: ~70 minutes via N71
Midleton: ~25 minutes via N25
Cobh: ~25 minutes via R624/N25

Notary Public Services Available

Hugh Phelan provides a comprehensive range of notary public services. As a Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland and commissioned for life, Hugh offers the highest standard of notarial service. He holds a BCL from University College Cork and a Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice. He is a dual-qualified solicitor in both Ireland and England & Wales.

Document Notarisation

Whether you need a contract, agreement, or declaration notarised for use in another country, Hugh authenticates documents with his official notarial seal and signature, giving them international recognition and legal validity.

Certified True Copies

Notarially certified copies of passports, birth certificates, degree certificates, and professional qualifications are frequently needed for visa applications, overseas university admissions, foreign employment, and immigration purposes.

Powers of Attorney

If you need someone to act on your behalf in another country — for example, to buy or sell property abroad — a notarised power of attorney is typically required. Hugh regularly prepares and notarises powers of attorney for clients with international property or business interests.

Apostille Preparation

For documents destined for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, Hugh notarises documents in the correct format for submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs. We can arrange the apostille submission on your behalf.

Affidavits & Statutory Declarations

Hugh administers oaths and affirmations for affidavits and statutory declarations intended for use abroad, particularly where foreign authorities require notarial authentication.

Why Choose Hugh Phelan as Your Notary?

Lifetime Appointment: Appointed as a Notary Public by the Chief Justice of Ireland
Dual Qualified: Solicitor in both Ireland and England & Wales
Specialist Qualifications: BCL from UCC, Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice
Over 20 Years’ Experience: Extensive legal and notarial experience
Same-Day Service: Urgent appointments frequently available
Convenient Location: Douglas is accessible from across Cork

What to Bring to Your Appointment

The original document(s) — unsigned if they require your signature
Valid photo ID: current passport or driving licence
Proof of address: utility bill or bank statement (within 3 months)
Any instructions from the requesting party

If unsure, call (021) 489 7134 before your visit.

Planning Your Visit from Outside Cork

If you are travelling from another county in Munster, we recommend:

Call ahead: Book a specific appointment time so we can have everything prepared
Email documents in advance: Send scans of your documents to info@phelansolicitors.com so we can review them before your visit
Bring all required ID: Current passport or driving licence plus proof of address
Allow time for parking: Douglas has ample free parking, but it helps to arrive a few minutes early
Combine with other Cork business: Many clients from outside Cork combine their notary appointment with other errands in the city

How to Book an Appointment

Phone: (021) 489 7134 (office hours)
Urgent/Mobile: 086 390 7815
Email: info@phelansolicitors.com

When booking, let us know the type of document, the country where it will be used, and any deadlines.