Drone rules in Ireland
| Drones allowed? | Yes — under EU rules |
| License needed | EU Drone License (from 250 g) |
| Registration | Required — via MySRS (IAA) |
| Insurance | Not required for hobby under 20 kg |
| Night flying | Allowed — green flashing light required |
| Max altitude | 120 m |
| Authority | IAA · MySRS |
What you need to fly in Ireland
Three things make your flight legal. Two are formalities — the license is the one that takes a few hours, and you can get it entirely online.
1. EU Drone License (A1-A3)
Required for every drone from 250 g. Online course + official exam, average ~4 hours. Valid in Ireland and all 30 European countries for 5 years.
2. Operator registration (MySRS (IAA))
Usually the trickiest step for travelling pilots. Register once as an operator in your EASA country of residence and put the number on your drone — that registration is valid in Ireland too. Local pilots register via MySRS (IAA).
3. Liability insurance
Ireland does not require insurance for purely recreational flying under 20 kg, though liability cover is recommended. Commercial operations do require insurance.
The rules while flying
These EU-wide basics apply in Ireland — plus the local details on the right.
Specific to Ireland
- Operator registration via MySRS costs €30 and is valid for 2 years; minimum age 16 — a parent or guardian registers for younger pilots
- Check the official IAA UAS geographic zones map before you fly
- Flying in controlled airspace requires an application to the IAA
- Night flying is allowed — the drone must show a green flashing light
You can still get licensed before your trip.
The average pilot finishes the course and exam in ~4 hours, fully online. Pass today and your official EU certificate lands in your inbox — valid in Ireland and 29 other countries for 5 years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for a DJI Mini (under 250 g) in Ireland?
No license is needed under 250 g, but operator registration is required if the drone has a camera. Airspace rules apply to all drones.
Is my EU Drone License from another country valid in Ireland?
Yes. The EU Drone License is valid in all EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland — one license covers all 30 countries.
Do I need insurance to fly a drone in Ireland?
Not for purely recreational flying under 20 kg, though liability cover is recommended. Commercial operations require insurance.
How much does drone registration cost in Ireland?
Operator registration via the IAA's MySRS platform costs €30 and is valid for two years. Visiting pilots use their home-country EU registration instead.
How fast can I get the EU Drone License?
The course and exam are fully online and take about 4 hours on average. Pass today and your certificate arrives in your inbox the same day.
One license. 30 countries.
Your EU Drone License is valid in every country below — check the local rules before you pack:
