Fireworks in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Only Category F1 (very low hazard) fireworks may be bought and used by the general public in Ireland, and they may not be sold to anyone under 12. Bangers and all other categories are illegal for the public to import, hold, sell or use without a licence.

RuleWhat applies
Consumers may buy and use category F2 fireworksConsumer fireworks (category F2)No [1]
Minimum age to buyConsumer fireworks (category F2)12 years [1]
Minimum age to possess or let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified
When they may be sold to the publicConsumer fireworks (category F2)Only Category F1 fireworks may be sold to the general public, and not to anyone under 12. Categories F2 to F4 are available only to professional operators for organised displays. [1]
When they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)The general public may legally use only Category F1 fireworks. Using any other firework without a licence is an offence. [2]
Where they may not be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified
Fireworks consumers may useConsumer fireworks (category F2)Only Category F1 fireworks, such as party poppers, ground spinners, Christmas crackers and some sparklers. Bangers, rockets, roman candles and aerial wheels are not allowed for the public. [2]
Local restrictionsConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified
Hours when they may be let offConsumer fireworks (category F2)⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Only Category F1 (very low hazard) fireworks may be bought and used by the general public. Other categories, including bangers, are illegal for the public to import, hold, sell or use without a licence; imports for professional displays need a licence from the Department of Justice. Offences include lighting an unlicensed firework and throwing a lit firework at a person or property (except F1). Penalties: up to a class C fine or 6 months on summary conviction; up to EUR 10,000 or 5 years on indictment. The guidance is non-binding; the law is in the Explosives Act 1875 as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
  • Retailers commit an offence by selling Category F1 fireworks to anyone under 12. No age limit for category F2 applies because the public may not buy them.
  • The sources read give an age limit for buying Category F1 fireworks, not for using them.
  • The sources read set no seasonal sale or use window.
  • The sources read name no places where F1 fireworks are banned. Local by-laws were not checked.

Sources

  1. Department of Justice (Government Inspector of Explosives): GD 7/2010 General Guidance on Fireworks in Ireland (Rev 25 January 2022) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Citizens Information Board: Fireworks: the law (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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