Important information about shooting clays in Ireland
The clay pigeon shooting scene in Ireland may not be quite the same as it is in other parts of the world and this page is intended to make you aware of what is available, what regulations and laws apply and any other information you might need.
The shooting fraternity in Ireland are very friendly and welcoming to visitors, so do drop an email to anywhere you find that interests you - they will surely be happy to help you have a good time and enjoy some good shooting during your visit.
Available Types of Clay Pigeon Shoots
There are three broad types of clay pigeon shooting available in Ireland, with a very brief explanation of each for the uninitiated:
Sporting Clays
Here targets are thrown in a manner which is intended to simulate live quarry shooting. Most of the shooting offered at hotels is sporting clays, and this is the most popular from of clay pigeon shooting in Ireland.
Trap shooting or Down the Line
Targets are thrown either as singles or doubles from one or more traps, generally going away from the firing point at varying speeds, angles and elevations.
Skeet shooting
Targets are thrown in singles and doubles from 2 trap houses situated some 40 metres apart, at set trajectories and speeds. This is not a widespread discipline in Ireland, and most of the centres that offer it are in the North of Ireland or in Donegal.
Clay Pigeon Shooting Clubs
The governing body for clay pigeon shooting in Ireland is the Irish Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (the ICPSA). They are affiliated with many international shooting bodies and the member clubs extend reciprocal arrangements to visiting members of other recognised organisations. Thus if you are a member of a club in another country, you will be welcomed to the Irish Clubs and at registered shoots.
There is a list of clubs maintained that the ICPSA website, and you should be able to find contact details there for a club or clubs in just about any part of Ireland.
Bear in mind that not all clubs will be in a position to provide you with equipment. If you intend bringing equipment you need to be aware of some of the laws that may affect you, see below.
Legal Considerations
It is not a simple matter to bring a gun with you to Ireland. You will need the following:
- a gun licence
- a European Firearms Pass or Permit (For EU residents)
- a firearms certificate issued by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in Ireland
The last obligation is particularly tricky and is in fact something of a Catch 22 type scenario.
There is an application form available online. However once you have filled in your part of it, it must be counter signed and witnessed by a member of the Irish police (the Garda Siochana), who must also complete an additional section of the form.
Since you must present in person to this police officer, and it takes about 6 weeks for a certificate to be issued, unless you are visiting Ireland at least twice it is totally impractical.
So, probably you will need to use a gun supplied by the centre where you are shooting.
Childen and Guns in Ireland
The law in Ireland does not allow children under the age of 18 to shoot guns. The exception is if the child is on private grounds and in the direct supervision of a parent.
Not all centres offer shooting to under 18s so this is something you need to check with the centre when you are booking.
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