Ireland - Legislation on the possession and carrying of knives

General Status:

Under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990, carrying a knife in public is prohibited without a lawful excuse. Knives are treated as potential offensive weapons.

Restrictions:

No blade length exemption exists.

Flick knives (automatic opening) and weapons adapted to cause injury are banned.

Carrying any knife in public requires a valid reason (professional, sport, religious).

Warning:

The bearer must prove the necessity of carrying the knife if controlled. Offences are punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment.