Age of majority in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Ireland sets the age of majority at 18 (or on earlier marriage), the voting age at 18 and the minimum marriage age at 18. A child under 12 may not be charged, with exceptions for serious offences from age 10.

RuleWhat applies
Age of majorityLegal adulthoodA person attains full age at 18, or on marriage if that happens earlier. [1]
Voting age (national elections)Legal adulthoodCitizens, and other persons the law allows, who have reached 18 and are not disqualified have the right to vote at Dáil elections. [2]
Minimum age to marryLegal adulthoodA marriage between persons either of whom is under 18 is not valid in law. [3]
Age of criminal responsibilityLegal adulthoodA child under 12 may not be charged with an offence. This does not apply to a child aged 10 or 11 charged with murder, manslaughter, rape, rape under section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, or aggravated sexual assault. [4]

Sources

  1. Irish Statute Book: Age of Majority Act 1985, section 2 (text as enacted) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Irish Statute Book: Constitution of Ireland (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts): Family Law Act 1995 (revised) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts): Children Act 2001 (revised) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.