If you own or want to own a firearm in Ireland, you must have a firearm certificate.
The most common type of firearm is a gun. However, the following are considered firearms under Irish law and also need a licence:
An Garda Síochána grant firearm certificates and they are responsible for supervising firearm use. If you want to make a complaint or raise a concern about the use of firearms, you should contact the Gardaí. In an emergency always call 999 or 112.
The law relating to firearms is mainly contained in the Firearms Act 1925.
Yes, it is legal to own a firearm in Ireland if you:
You can use a firearm for:
If you are using any firearm, you must use in line with any conditions attached to a firearm certificate. It can be a criminal offence if you fail to do this.
Firearm use in films and theatre
A firearm certificate may be needed if you are using a firearm in a theatrical production or the shooting of a film or TV show.
Hunting in Ireland
If you are planning to hunt deer, you also need a separate deer hunting licence.
It is a criminal offence to possess or use a firearm without a relevant firearm certificate.
You do not need a firearms certificate if you fall into an exempted category, for example, if you:
A firearm certificate lasts for 3 years.
From the age of 14, you can apply for a firearm training certificate (pdf). If you only have a firearm training certificate, you cannot own a gun.
With a firearm training certificate, however, you can use a non-restricted firearm when hunting or target shooting if:
You can only do target shooting with your firearms training certificate at an authorised shooting range or at an authorised shooting rifle or pistol club.
If you fail to use a firearm in line with a firearms training certificate, your certificate could be withdrawn and/or you could be charged with a criminal offence.
If you meet the criteria above, you can apply for a firearm certificate. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you inherit a firearm, you should also apply for a certificate.
If you are substituting one firearm for another one you also use a FCA1 application form (pdf).
If you are making a new application for a firearm certificate or a firearm training certificate, fill in a FCA1 firearm certificate application form (pdf). You must include:
If it is your first time applying for a firearm certificate, you must show you are competent to use a firearm. You can prove this by:
An Garda Síochána may ask for more information or clarification before issuing your certificate.
Send your completed form to your local garda station, and a chief superintendent or a superintendent will decide on your application.
If you are seeking a certificate for a restricted firearm, you must send the application form to a chief superintendent nominated by the Garda Commissioner. You must include a reason why a non-restricted firearm would not serve your purpose for a firearm.
If your firearm certificate is granted, you may have to meet certain conditions. This can include the amount of ammunition you can hold at any one time or whether the firearm can be loaded when you transport it.
You then have to pay a fee to issue your firearm certificate. Your grant notice letter will outline the fee.
A firearm certificate costs €80 for 3 years for any type of firearm.
A firearm training certificate costs €40 for 3 years.
A firearm certificate for a person who is non-resident in Ireland costs €40 for 1 year.
You can pay for all firearms certificate fees through An Post.
If you are over 16 and not living in Ireland (not ordinarily resident) you can get a 1-year non-resident firearms certificate. This will allow you legally to own and use a firearm in Ireland for 12 months from the date you are granted the firearms certificate. You must apply at least 6 weeks before your arrival.
You apply by filling in a Firearm Certificate Application (non-resident) application form (pdf) available on the website of the Irish police force (An Garda Síochána).
You need to include:
You send your application to the Garda Superintendent of the district where you plan to first use the firearm along with:
If you are applying to use a restricted firearm, your application will be sent to the Garda chief superintendent of that division.
You may be refused a firearm certificate if:
If your firearm certificate is refused, the Gardaí will give you the reasons. You can appeal a firearm certificate refusal to the District Court.
If you have or use firearms, you must meet the detailed requirements set out in legislation for storing them safely.
This storage depends on the type and number of firearms you hold. The usual requirements are that firearms are stored within structurally solid buildings or in purpose-built cabinets or gun rooms.
You should never store guns in easy-to-access locations or in unattended vehicles.
When you apply for a firearm certificate, a member of An Garda Síochána may inspect your proposed secure place of storage.
When your firearm certificate is about to expire (after 3 years), you should get a copy of a firearm renewal form from the Gardaí. This will usually contain your details and the existing details of the firearm. You can amend the form if there are any changes to these details or if any information is incorrect. You must then send the completed form to your local garda station.
If you do not get a firearm renewal form, you should contact your local garda station to avoid holding an unlicensed firearm.
If everything is in order, you get a grant notice letter. This confirms that your firearm certificate will be renewed for another 3 years once you pay the fee.
Your firearms certificate can be revoked or withdrawn if you:
If your firearm certificate is revoked (cancelled), you will be asked to hand your firearm and any ammunition over to the Gardaí and you will be given the option to sell it.
You can appeal a revocation of a firearm certificate to the District Court.
The most common type of firearm is a gun. However, crossbows, spearguns and all airguns with a firing velocity (speed) of over 1 joule (including paintball markers) are also considered firearms under Irish law and must have a firearm certificate.
There are 2 different categories of firearms in Ireland – restricted and non-restricted.
A non-restricted firearm is a small calibre firearm that can hold no more than 5 rounds.
Additional restrictions are placed on owning and using restricted firearms because they are considered particularly dangerous.
You can check if your firearm is restricted or listed as non-restricted under the Firearms (Restricted Firearms and Ammunition) Order 2008 as amended in 2009.
A realistic imitation (fake) firearm looks like a firearm but does not have the necessary firing ability to be considered a firearm, for example, paintball guns may be in this category.
If you have a realistic imitation firearm in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, it is also a criminal offence.
A deactivated firearm is not capable of being fired. There are certain regulations you must follow for a firearm to be considered deactivated, including:
If the firearm was deactivated before 8 April 2016, less strict requirements apply.
Once deactivated, you can seek an authorisation to keep the firearm.
You do not need a firearm certificate for antique firearms if you are holding them as ornaments or curiosities.
Modern reproductions of antique firearms are not exempt from needing a firearm certificate.
If you find or lose a firearm, you should immediately report this to An Garda Síochána.
The Firearms Unit in the Department of Justice has responsibility for the development of legislation and policy related to firearms. You can read more on gov.ie.