Can you bring a weapon to Ireland?

• Weapons

  depends on specifics

  Firearms need an importation (transfer) licence from the Department of Justice obtained BEFORE bringing them into the country, plus firearms certification; a firearms certificate for a non-resident costs €40 for 1 year. CS gas spray, pepper spray and stun guns are totally prohibited: importation or possession is illegal. Crossbows, spearguns and all airguns with a muzzle velocity over 1 joule (including paintball markers) are legally firearms and must be licensed. The Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 prohibits importing offensive weapons (listed in the 1991 Order, as amended in 2009 — including flick knives and several disguised knives), with penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment.

  Other types of knives can be imported, but carrying one in public without lawful reason is an offence under Section 9 of the 1990 Act, so a knife in luggage is not the same as a knife on your person. Antique firearms held as ornaments or curiosities are exempt from the Firearms Acts, but the licensing position for an ordinary traveller is: don't bring a firearm without written authorisation. Revenue also lists "firearms, weapons, fireworks or explosives" among goods that must be declared to a customs officer.

  Also covers: weapons, firearms, guns, air rifle, airsoft, knife, flick knife, pepper spray, stun gun, taser, crossbow, paintball

  Checked 2026-09-21 — Source: Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration — Firearms: your questions answered

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Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history