Owning and using a firearm in Ireland

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:

• Crossbows
• Spearguns
• All airguns with a muzzle velocity (speed) of over 1 joule (including paintball markers)

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:

• Are over 16 years of age
• Have a license known as a firearm certificate for that firearm
• Are living in Ireland for at least 6 months (unless you are temporarily resident here)
• Are competent to use a firearm (see below)
• Keep your firearm securely
• Are not disqualified from having a firearm, for example, if you are deemed to be of unsound mind or have been sentenced to imprisonment for a firearms or terrorist offence

What can I use a firearm for in Ireland?

You can use a firearm for:

• Recreational purposes such as target shooting or hunting
• Killing pests or for the humane killing of animals

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.

Firearm certificates

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:

• Use a firearm in the course of duty as a member of the Defence Forces or An Garda Síochána
• Use a firearm for certain sporting purposes
• Are a registered firearms dealer

A firearm certificate lasts for 3 years.

Firearm training certificate

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 are being supervised by someone over 18 years
• This supervisor holds a firearm certificate for that specific firearm

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).

Step 1: Fill in your details for the FCA1 form

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:

• Your personal details
• A passport-sized photograph
• Proof of your identity
• Your doctor’s contact details and information about any conditions that may affect your ability to use firearms safely
• Contact details for 2 character referees
• Your past criminal and firearms history
• Written consent from your parent or guardian (only if you are aged under 16)

Step 2: Fill in details about the firearm

• Where you got it
• How you plan to securely store the firearm (Read more below about safely storing a firearm)
• Why you need it (personal safety or the protection of property is not considered an acceptable reason for wanting a firearm certificate)
• Your competence to use a firearm

How do I prove I am competent to use a firearm?

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:

• Attending a firearms training course
• Joining an authorised rifle or pistol club or range

An Garda Síochána may ask for more information or clarification before issuing your certificate.

Step 3: Submit your FCA1 form to the Gardaí

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.

Paying for a firearm certificate

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.

Applying for a firearms certificate if you are visiting Ireland

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:

• Your personal information
• Details of your firearm
• Your travel details
• Location of and type of shooting you are planning

You send your application to the Garda Superintendent of the district where you plan to first use the firearm along with:

• A €40 application fee
• Your valid membership card of any Irish gun club, game association, and so on, (if you have a membership)
• A European Firearms Pass (EFP) (for residents of EU member states)
• Any other permit, licence or authorisation (if you are from another state)

If you are applying to use a restricted firearm, your application will be sent to the Garda chief superintendent of that division.

Firearm certificate refusal

You may be refused a firearm certificate if:

• Your application does not establish a good reason for having one
• You are considered to be a danger to public safety or security
• You cannot show that you will keep the firearm securely

If your firearm certificate is refused, the Gardaí will give you the reasons. You can appeal a firearm certificate refusal to the District Court.

You can read frequently asked questions about firearm certificate application refusals (pdf).

Safely storing a firearm

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.

Renewing your firearm certificate

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.

Can my firearm certificate be revoked?

Your firearms certificate can be revoked or withdrawn if you:

• Do not have a good reason for having the firearm
• Are or become a disqualified person
• Are considered to be a danger to public safety or security
• Breach the conditions in the firearm certificate
• Do not supervise the holder of a firearm training certificate when using the firearm.

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.

Restricted or non-restricted firearms

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.

Imitation (fake) firearms

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.

Deactivated firearms

A deactivated firearm is not capable of being fired. There are certain regulations you must follow for a firearm to be considered deactivated, including:

• Complying with minimum standards
• An accompanying certificate from an appropriate authority
• The firearm being appropriately marked

If the firearm was deactivated before 8 April 2016, less strict requirements apply.

Once deactivated, you can seek an authorisation to keep the firearm.

Antique firearms

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.

Lost or found firearms

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.

You can read the guidelines on owning and using a firearm, published by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.