Yes, you can fly a drone in Ireland as a tourist under the EU drone rules. If Ireland is your first EU stop, you register as a drone operator with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) on its MySRS portal (required for any drone with a camera, even under 250 g), label the drone with your number, and fly below 120 m. Check the IAA's UAS geographical zones map before every flight, and expect national parks and state heritage sites to need permission or ban drones.
Register on MySRS
The IAA says operators must register by law. Under EU rules a pilot from outside the EU registers in the first EU country where they plan to fly, and that registration then works across the EU. In Ireland, registration and the online A1/A3 training run through MySRS, the IAA's online system.
- Required for drones of 250 g or more and lighter drones with a camera.
- Display your operator number on the drone.
- If you already registered in another EU country, use that number.
Our guide to flying in Europe as a US tourist covers how to decide where to register.
Training
- Under 250 g without a class label: flies in A1. No certificate needed, but don't fly over people.
- 250 g or more: you need the A1/A3 certificate and fly in A3, away from people and built-up areas.
Check the geographical zones
The IAA publishes a map of UAS geographical zones showing where flying is restricted or banned, including around airports and sensitive sites. Dublin Airport's zone covers much of north Dublin, and Shannon, Cork and Kerry airports sit near popular routes. Check the IAA drones pages for the current map and rules.
Standard EU limits apply everywhere: 120 m above ground, visual line of sight, no flying over crowds.
Parks, cliffs and heritage sites
- National parks such as Killarney, Connemara, Glenveagh and Wicklow Mountains are managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which requires permission to fly, with some areas closed during the breeding season.
- OPW heritage sites, including national monuments, castles and monasteries in state care, don't permit drones.
- Cliffs and coast: the Cliffs of Moher and other coastal sites have nesting seabirds and crowds of visitors. Ask the site, and keep well away from birds.
Private land is common in rural Ireland. Ask the landowner before launching from a field.
Insurance
Carry third-party liability insurance that covers drone use in Ireland. See drone insurance for Europe.
Weather
Ireland's coast is windy and showers come through fast. Read flying a drone in wind and can you fly a drone in the rain.
Which drone to bring
- DJI Mini 4 Pro: 249 g, flies in A1 with no certificate.
- DJI Mini 5 Pro: 249 g, 1-inch sensor for moody skies.
- DJI Neo: 135 g; still has a camera, so registration applies.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
Also visiting Northern Ireland or Great Britain? UK rules are separate; see drone laws in the UK.
Related guides
- Drone laws in Argentina: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Aruba: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Australia: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Austria: flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Bali (Indonesia): flying there as a US tourist
- Drone laws in Barbados: flying there as a US tourist
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