Leaflet Printing Ireland: Sizes, Paper Stocks & What Actually Works for Local Marketing
Leaflet printing remains one of the highest-ROI marketing channels for local Irish businesses. A well-designed, properly targeted flyer dropped through the right letterboxes costs a fraction of digital advertising — and reaches people who never scroll past your Instagram post.
But the results vary enormously based on three decisions: the size you choose, the paper stock you print on, and how you distribute. Get those right and a 5,000-leaflet run can fill a restaurant for weeks. Get them wrong and you've wasted the spend. This guide covers leaflet printing in Ireland from start to finish.
Leaflet Sizes in Ireland: Which One Is Right for You?
Leaflets follow standard ISO paper sizes. Here is how each size performs in practice for Irish businesses:
| Size | Dimensions | Best For | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 105 × 148mm | Quick-read promos | Discount vouchers, café menus, event promos |
| A5 | 148 × 210mm | Most common | Takeaway menus, local services, door-drops |
| A4 | 210 × 297mm | More content | Full menus, services lists, estate agents |
| A3 | 297 × 420mm | Impact / display | Window displays, in-store promotions, events |
| DL | 99 × 210mm | Rack cards / envelopes | Brochures, hotel rack cards, event programmes |
A5 leaflets are the most popular format for Irish takeaways and local businesses. They are compact enough to carry in a bag or slip through a letterbox, but large enough to display a menu or offer clearly. If you are only going to print one leaflet size, A5 is the right call.
A6 leaflets work extremely well as vouchers or quick-grab inserts — including slipping them into pizza boxes or paper bags with orders. The small format reads instantly and costs significantly less to print per unit.
Paper Stocks Explained: What to Print Your Leaflets On
Paper weight (gsm — grams per square metre) and finish affect how a leaflet feels, how long it lasts, and how well the colours reproduce. Here is a practical breakdown for leaflet printing in Ireland:
Thin, similar to standard office paper. Cost-effective for very high-volume runs where budget is the primary concern. Not recommended for premium brand presentation — feels cheap in the hand.
The sweet spot for most Irish businesses. Feels solid, prints well with sharp colour reproduction, and survives the journey through a letterbox without crumpling. Available in gloss (vivid colours) and silk (less reflective, easier to read).
Noticeably heavier. Signals quality to the recipient before they have read a word. Popular with restaurants, estate agents, and any brand that wants to communicate premium positioning.
More business card than leaflet. Used for point-of-sale cards, menu cards placed on tables, and rack cards. Not suitable for letterbox drops.
Gloss vs. Silk finish
Both gloss and silk are coated finishes that protect the ink and improve colour vibrancy compared to uncoated paper. The difference:
- →Gloss: High sheen, colours pop, best for photography-heavy designs like food menus. Can catch light and be harder to read in certain conditions.
- →Silk: Subtle sheen, colours slightly more muted but excellent legibility. Better for text-heavy layouts, estate agents, services.
Folded Leaflets: When a Flat Sheet Isn't Enough
For businesses with more to say — full menus, service breakdowns, multi-section content — a folded leaflet gives you more space without going up to A3. Common folding options:
Bi-fold (Half-fold)
Single fold, creating 4 panels. Popular for menus, service brochures, and event programmes.
Tri-fold (Z or C fold)
Two folds, creating 6 panels. Classic for takeaway menus and leaflets that need to fit in a DL envelope.
DL (Rack card)
1/3 of A4. Fits standard leaflet racks and display stands. Popular for hospitality and tourism.
Leaflet Distribution in Ireland: Getting the Most From Your Print Run
The best-designed leaflet does nothing sitting in a box. Here is how Irish businesses get the most out of their print runs:
Door-to-door letterbox drops
The most targeted option for takeaways and local services. An Post offers geographic targeting through their Direct Mail service, allowing you to select specific postal routes. Aim for a radius of 3–5km for a takeaway, 10–15km for a regional service.
In-box inserts
Including A6 vouchers or flyers inside pizza boxes or takeaway bags is one of the highest-conversion methods. The customer is already engaged with your brand and likely to act on a first-order discount or loyalty offer.
Counter & reception stacks
A5 or DL leaflets stacked on a counter convert well in waiting rooms, hotel lobbies, pharmacies, and community centres. Partner with complementary local businesses for free display space.
Event handouts
Local markets, GAA matches, community fairs. A5 is the most hand-friendly size. Include a QR code linking directly to your ordering page or Instagram.
How Many Leaflets Do I Need?
A rough guide to leaflet quantities for common Irish campaign types:
| Campaign Type | Suggested Quantity |
|---|---|
| Single estate / village door drop | 500 – 1,000 |
| Small town coverage (e.g., Naas, Carlow) | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Dublin suburb or large town | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| City-wide campaign (Dublin, Cork, Galway) | 10,000 – 25,000+ |
| In-box insert (weekly) | 200 – 500 per week |
| Counter leaflet stock (quarterly) | 500 – 1,000 |
5 Design Tips That Improve Leaflet Response Rates
- 1.Lead with the offer, not the logo. The headline should state the benefit: "Free Garlic Bread with Every Order This Week" beats "Welcome to Mario's Pizza" every time.
- 2.Include a clear call to action and phone number in large text. A surprising number of Irish consumers still prefer to order by phone, particularly older demographics.
- 3.Add a QR code. Linking directly to your online ordering page or Google Maps listing removes friction. Print it large enough to scan easily.
- 4.Use real food photography if you can. Generic stock images do not convert. A quality photo of your actual dish is far more compelling.
- 5.Set up your artwork at 3mm bleed with crop marks. This ensures the print runs to the edge of the leaflet without white borders. If in doubt, ask your printer for an artwork template.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular leaflet size in Ireland?
A5 (148mm × 210mm) is the most commonly printed leaflet size for Irish businesses. It fits standard letterboxes, is easy to hand out, and gives enough space to clearly communicate your offer.
What paper stock should I use for leaflets?
130–150gsm gloss or silk coated paper is the most popular choice for Irish businesses. It strikes the right balance between cost, feel, and print quality. Premium brands often step up to 170gsm silk.
How many leaflets do I need for a local campaign in Ireland?
A small estate or village door drop requires 500–1,000 leaflets. A town-wide campaign typically needs 2,000–5,000. City-wide coverage in Dublin, Cork, or Galway requires 10,000+.
Can I get leaflets printed in Dublin with fast turnaround?
Yes. PrintNPack prints leaflets with nationwide delivery across Ireland. Orders with print-ready artwork are typically dispatched within 2–3 working days.
Print your leaflets with PrintNPack Ireland
A5, A6, A4, folded and flat — fast turnaround, sharp colour, delivered nationwide.