Everything you need to know about notary public services in Cork, answered by Hugh Phelan.
Notary public fees in Cork typically range from €65 to €150+ per document, depending on the complexity of the notarisation required. Standard document notarisation starts from €65 for the first document, with additional documents at reduced rates. Complex matters such as powers of attorney for international use or corporate notarial services may cost more. Contact our office at 021-489-7134 for an exact quote tailored to your specific requirements. See our full fee schedule →
We accept bank transfer, cheque, and cash payments. For corporate clients, we can arrange invoicing. Payment is typically required at the time of the appointment. Please contact the office if you have any questions about payment arrangements.
A wide range of documents can be notarised, including:
If you are unsure whether your document requires notarisation, contact our office for guidance.
Yes, this is one of the primary functions of a Notary Public. Hugh Phelan regularly notarises documents for use in countries worldwide, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Australia, Canada, China, the UAE, and many more. He is experienced in the specific requirements of different jurisdictions and can advise you on any additional steps needed, such as obtaining an apostille or consular legalisation.
Yes. A Notary Public can notarise documents in foreign languages. However, if the document is not in English, a certified translation may be required. Hugh Phelan can advise you on translation requirements and can recommend certified translators if needed. The notarial certificate itself is prepared in English and, where required, can include a notation confirming that a translation was provided.
Yes. Notarially certified copies of passports are one of the most common services provided. Hugh Phelan can certify that a copy of your passport is a true and accurate copy of the original. This certified copy carries the notarial seal and is accepted by authorities worldwide. You must bring the original passport to the appointment for verification.
A notarised power of attorney is a legal document in which one person (the principal) authorises another person (the attorney or agent) to act on their behalf, and which has been authenticated by a Notary Public. This is commonly required for property transactions abroad, managing bank accounts in other countries, or conducting business in foreign jurisdictions. The notarisation confirms the identity of the person signing and the authenticity of their signature.
Yes. Notarising documents for overseas property purchases is a very common service. Whether you are buying property in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, the United States, or elsewhere, Hugh Phelan can notarise the required documents including powers of attorney, contracts, declarations, and identity verifications. He is familiar with the specific requirements of property transactions in many jurisdictions.
Yes. A Notary Public can administer oaths and witness the swearing of affidavits and statutory declarations. This is particularly useful when the affidavit is intended for use abroad, as the notarial seal provides international recognition. For affidavits intended solely for use in Irish courts, a Commissioner for Oaths can also perform this function.
Yes. Hugh Phelan provides comprehensive corporate notarial services, including notarisation of board resolutions, corporate authorisations, company formation documents, share transfer documents, articles of association, certificates of incumbency, and documents for international business transactions. His extensive experience in corporate management ensures a thorough understanding of commercial requirements.
An apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 1961 that authenticates the origin of a public document (including notarised documents) for use in another country that is a party to the Convention. In Ireland, apostilles are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. You typically need an apostille when sending notarised documents to another Hague Convention member country. Hugh Phelan can prepare your documents for apostille and guide you through the process. Read more about apostille services →
To get a document apostilled in Cork: (1) First, have the document notarised by a Notary Public such as Hugh Phelan. (2) Then, submit the notarised document to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin (or by post) for the apostille certificate to be affixed. Hugh Phelan can handle the notarisation step and advise you on the apostille submission process, including postal applications to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Documents notarised by an Irish Notary Public are recognised in virtually every country in the world. For countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (over 120 countries), an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs is typically sufficient. For countries that are not members of the Hague Convention, additional consular legalisation from the embassy or consulate of the destination country may be required. Hugh Phelan can advise you on the specific requirements for your destination country.
While appointments are strongly recommended to ensure prompt, dedicated service, Hugh Phelan's office can often accommodate urgent same-day requests subject to availability. Booking an appointment in advance ensures that all necessary preparations are made and that your visit is as efficient as possible. Call 021-489-7134 or 086-390-7815 (urgent) to arrange an appointment.
You should bring:
If the document is for a specific country, it is helpful to bring any correspondence from the foreign authority specifying their requirements.
A straightforward notarisation — such as certifying a copy of a passport or witnessing a signature on a single document — typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. More complex matters, such as powers of attorney for multiple jurisdictions or corporate notarial services involving several documents, may take longer. Hugh Phelan will advise you on the expected timeframe when you book your appointment.
Yes, in almost all cases. The Notary Public must witness your signature being applied to the document. This is a fundamental requirement of notarisation — the notary is certifying that you signed the document in their presence, that you did so voluntarily, and that they verified your identity. Do not sign the document before your appointment; bring it unsigned.
Yes, same-day notary service is available subject to appointment availability. If you have an urgent requirement, contact our office as early as possible on 021-489-7134 or on the mobile number 086-390-7815. We make every effort to accommodate urgent requests, understanding that document deadlines are often time-sensitive.
We recommend booking at least 1–2 business days in advance where possible, which allows time to review your requirements and prepare any necessary documentation. However, we understand that urgent matters arise, and same-day appointments are available subject to availability. For non-urgent matters, booking a few days ahead ensures the most convenient appointment time for you.
While we strongly recommend making an appointment to ensure prompt, dedicated service, walk-ins may be accommodated subject to availability. If you need urgent notary services and cannot book in advance, please call ahead on 021-489-7134 to check availability before visiting the office.
In most cases, notarised documents can be collected by a third party or posted to you by registered post if they were not completed and handed to you during your appointment. However, the person whose signature is being notarised must attend the appointment in person — the notary must witness the signature being applied. Please discuss any collection arrangements with the office when booking.
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Saturday appointments are available by prior arrangement for urgent matters. The office is closed on Sundays and public holidays. For urgent out-of-hours requests, please call the mobile number 086-390-7815.
A Notary Public is appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland and holds authority to authenticate documents for use both domestically and internationally. Their notarial seal and signature are recognised worldwide under the Hague Apostille Convention. A Commissioner for Oaths can only witness sworn statements for use within Ireland. If your document is destined for use in another country, you need a Notary Public. Read our full comparison guide →
Not exactly. While Hugh Phelan is both a Solicitor and a Notary Public, these are separate professional roles. A solicitor provides general legal advice and representation. A Notary Public is specifically appointed by the Chief Justice to authenticate documents for international use. In Ireland, a person must hold additional qualifications (a Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice) and receive a specific appointment from the Chief Justice to practise as a Notary Public. Not all solicitors are notaries, and not all notaries are solicitors.
Hugh Phelan's office is located at Phelan Solicitors, East Douglas Street, Douglas, Co. Cork, Ireland. The office is approximately 10 minutes' drive from Cork City centre and is well served by public transport, with Bus Éireann routes 206, 207, and 215 stopping nearby. Convenient parking is available on-street and at Douglas Village Shopping Centre. Get directions →
Contact Hugh Phelan's office directly — we're happy to help with any enquiry about notary public services.