Gun Licence Ireland: Firearms Certificate & Safety Course

Visiting Hunters: Bringing Your Own Firearm

Visitors bringing a rifle or shotgun need a Garda non-resident Firearm Certificate. EU applicants must also provide their original European Firearms Pass with the application; the pass alone does not replace the Irish certificate.

Discuss the arrangements with your outfitter before booking travel, and check the Garda Commissioner's guidelines for non-residents. Confirm airline and import requirements for your own journey.

Irish Residents: First-Time Applicants

For a non-restricted Firearms Certificate, complete Form FCA1 and submit it to the Superintendent of the Garda district where you live. The resident certificate fee is €80, and the certificate normally lasts three years unless revoked. See the Garda application questions.

Applicants must demonstrate competence with the firearm. A training course is one route; Garda guidance also describes authorised club or range membership and a firearms training certificate. Ask your local Garda station what evidence is appropriate before paying for a course. A course certificate does not guarantee a firearm certificate.

Firearms Proficiency Courses

The providers below offer firearms training. Confirm current course details with the provider and check acceptable evidence of competence with your local Garda station before booking.

Disclosure: some links to course providers above are affiliate / referral links. Check course suitability with your local Garda station.

What the Course Covers

• Wildlife Act 1976 and amendments
• Firearms Act 1925–2009
• Garda Commissioner's Guidelines
• Secure storage (gun safe, ammunition separation)
• Travelling with firearms
• Night shooting (where permitted)
• Safe handling and use — practical assessment

Application Timeline

The statutory decision period is within three months of submitting a completed application. This is a decision deadline, not a promise of approval or a measured average waiting time. Gather your documents and evidence of competence before applying, and check your application with your local Garda station.

Source: Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, section 43.

Gun Licence Ireland: Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a gun licence in Ireland?

The statutory decision period is within three months of submitting a completed application. This is a decision deadline, not a guarantee of approval. Allow time beforehand to gather the required documents and evidence of competence.

How much does a Firearms Certificate cost?

The resident Firearms Certificate fee is €80. Course fees are separate; confirm the current price with the provider before booking.

Can visiting hunters bring a rifle to Ireland?

Visitors bringing a rifle need a Garda non-resident Firearm Certificate. EU applicants must also provide their original European Firearms Pass with the application. Confirm the requirements with Gardaí and your outfitter before travelling.

Official sources checked 2 November 2026: Garda application questions, Garda Commissioner's guidelines and the legislation linked above. Provider prices and schedules should be checked directly before booking.