Explained: Are fireworks legal in Ireland?
Ottoline Spearman
Firework displays are a common spectacle on New Year's Eve. Technically, all fireworks except party poppers and sparklers are illegal to import, sell, or use by the general public without a licence.
But the strict rules differ from reality, and many people source them from the North.
The Irish Independent reported in October that gardaí have seized illegal fireworks worth around €250,000 in the last decade.
Around 1,300 firework caches have also been raided during Operation Tombola - which focused on tackling illegal incendiaries between 2014 and 2024.
The paper also reports that an average of 20 people a year end up in hospital due to firework-related injuries.
So, what are the actual rules governing fireworks in Ireland?
Categories of fireworks
Fireworks are divided into four categories - F1 to F4 - with the least dangerous being F1.
Category F1 fireworks are very low-hazard fireworks that are quiet and pose little danger to those using them or their surroundings. They are legal and can be bought and used by the general public. Examples include party poppers, Christmas crackers and some types of sparklers.
To import F1 fireworks, you must have a licence - with the exception of Christmas crackers. F1 fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 12.
It is illegal to import, hold, sell or use anything that is not an F1 firework without a licence.
This includes bangers, rockets, roman candles and aerial wheels. If you wish to organise a fireworks display using these types of fireworks, you must use a professional operator.
Garda powers
Under Section 80 of the Explosives Act 1875, it is an arrestable offence to light an unlicensed firework, throw a lit firework at a person or a property, or possess an unlicensed firework, including if you intend to sell or give it to someone else.
Gardaí can arrest you without a warrant if you have committed any of these offences.
Prosecution
Those found guilty of any of these offences in a district court can face a prison sentence of up to six months. If found guilty in a circuit court you can face a prison sentence of up to 5 years, and/or a fine of up to €10,000.
What can I do if I am concerned about fireworks being set off?
You can report the setting off of fireworks to the gardaí.
However, during busier times of year, including New Year's Eve, gardaí will be busy with other public order offences, and therefore may not prioritise the reporting of such offences.
