Hunting Licenses in Ireland

Ireland - Deer Stalking

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Open Season Permit

Issuing authority: National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS)
Validity: Annual or seasonal depending on species
Species covered: Red Deer, Sika Deer, Fallow Deer
Requirements: Valid firearms certificate, hunter competency card, written permission from landowner
Season dates: Vary by species and gender (Sept–Feb for stags, Nov–Feb for hinds)
Fee: Typically €100 – €200 annually

Visit NPWS Website

Required for all hunters using rifles

Issuing authority: An Garda Síochána (Irish Police)
Validity: 3 years (renewable)
Requirements: Background check, safe storage, genuine reason (hunting/sport), character references
Processing time: 4–12 weeks depending on district
Fee: €80 for initial application, €40 for renewal
Note: Non-residents may hunt with visiting rifles under temporary import permits

General License & Permissions

Issuing authority: No specific license required for most game birds on private land
Validity: Seasonal - Woodcock season runs 1 Oct – 31 Jan (England/Wales), 1 Sept – 31 Jan (Scotland)
Requirements: Valid shotgun certificate, landowner permission, adherence to bag limits
Shotgun certificate: Issued by local police, typically £79.50 for 5 years
Note: Different rules apply in Northern Ireland

Estate Permissions & Firearms Certificate

Issuing authority: Police Scotland (firearms), Estate landowners (stalking permission)
Validity: Firearms certificate valid for 5 years, stalking permissions vary by estate
Species: Red Deer, Roe Deer, Sika Deer, Fallow Deer
Requirements: Firearms certificate, Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC1/DSC2 recommended), estate booking
Season dates: Vary by species and gender (Red stags: 1 July – 20 Oct, hinds: 21 Oct – 15 Feb)
Fee: Firearms certificate £88 for 5 years; stalking fees arranged through estates

Temporary Import & Visitor Arrangements

Non-EU visitors: Temporary firearm import permits available through customs
Requirements: Valid passport, proof of ownership, invitation letter from Celtic Shots, insurance documentation
Processing: Apply at least 4 weeks before travel
Alternative: Celtic Shots can arrange use of our licensed firearms for qualified guests
Note: All hunters must demonstrate competency and safe firearm handling regardless of license origin