Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Northern Europe

Ireland

Ireland applies the common EASA rules, but flight practice relies on IAA requirements, UAS geographical zones and the obligation to correctly configure Remote ID. In practice, before each flight you must confirm not only the open category conditions but also local restricted zones, environmental requirements and any conditions for specific operations.

Altitude: 120 m AGLRegistration: May be required depending on the operation or aircraft.

Flight rules

Quick overview for this country

This is a short overview of the most important requirements. Always confirm details and exceptions in official sources.

Registration requiredYes, depending on the operation or equipment.

Training requiredYes, often needed for compliance in the open category.

Maximum altitude120 m AGL

Camera / registration noteOperator registration is required for drones of 250 g or more, for drones with a camera or another sensor, and for all operations in the specific category. The operator number must be placed on all drones and uploaded to the remote identification system. In Ireland, the operator must be at least 16; for younger pilots, a parent or guardian registers and supervises as the operator.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m above the ground, keep VLOS and do not carry dangerous goods or drop anything.
Many operations in the open category require an A1/A3 certificate; A2 operations require additional A2 competency and maintaining the appropriate distances from uninvolved people according to the drone class. The IAA notes that a general minimum age for the pilot themselves does not follow directly from aviation law, but a registered operator must be 16 or be represented by a guardian.
Before each flight you must check the Irish UAS Geographic Zones and local conditions, including NPWS restrictions, because geo-zones may prohibit a flight or require separate consent. The map is for reference, and before each flight you must additionally check current NOTAMs and the AIP.
A drone requiring registration must have correctly configured Remote ID with the operator number. This also applies to non-EU operators if Ireland is their first country of registration in the EASA system.
If a flight does not meet the conditions of the open category - e.g. it is BVLOS, above 120 m, in a restrictive zone or with another elevated risk - the operation moves to the specific category and requires an STS declaration or an operational authorisation from the IAA.

Pre-flight checklist

Check everything before takeoff

Tick off the steps to verify the most important points before the flight.

0/5 done

Step 1Check whether the operator must be registered and whether the operator number is marked on the drone and entered into Remote ID; if the pilot is under 16, make sure the operator is registered by a parent or guardian.Step 2Confirm the required pilot competency: A1/A3 for many flights in the open category and A2 if the planned operation is to be carried out in subcategory A2.Step 3Before take-off, verify the UAS Geographic Zones, airports, time restrictions and any local environmental restrictions; also check current NOTAMs and the AIP, because the geo-zone map is for reference.Step 4Make sure the flight falls within the appropriate subcategory of the open category in terms of class, mass and distance from uninvolved people.Step 5If the flight does not fall within the open category, prepare the appropriate process for the specific category, including STS, PDRA or an operational authorisation to the IAA.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

Open the authority or official flight map to confirm zones and current restrictions.

Authority websiteIrish Aviation AuthorityOpen source Flight mapIAA UAS Geographic Zones / SafeDroneOpen source

Information sources

IAA: drones - main page IAA: Remote ID IAA FAQ: registration IAA FAQ: open category IAA FAQ: open vs specific IAA: operational authorisation IAA: UAS Advisory cross-border and local conditions

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Important

Check2Fly provides a simplified overview and does not replace official aviation regulations or current airspace data. Always verify local restrictions in official sources before flying.