DJI's GEO zone database lists 61 drone zones in Ireland, 9 of them restricted, mostly around airports and military bases. Below are the zone types, the largest restricted zones, the rules at a glance and the official links to request permission when you need to fly inside a zone.
Zone types
| Zone | Count | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 🟥 Restricted | 9 | DJI drones cannot take off or fly inside. Most are airports and military bases; flying there needs an authorization and a DJI unlock. |
| 🟧 Enhanced warning | 24 | The drone asks you to confirm before flying in. Often smaller airfields and approach paths. |
| 🟨 Warning | 28 | A warning only, for example heliports and small airfields. Flight is not blocked, but local rules still apply. |
Largest restricted zones
| Zone | Radius |
|---|---|
| Dublin Airport | 2.5 km |
| Shannon Airport | 2.0 km |
| Ireland West | 1.5 km |
| Casement | 1.4 km |
| Farranfore | 1.3 km |
| Cork Airport | 1.2 km |
| Waterford | 0.8 km |
| Donegal | 0.8 km |
| Sligo | 0.7 km |
Radius of the circle in DJI's database. The official zone can have another shape and reach further, for example along the runway approach.
Drone rules in Ireland at a glance
- Aviation authority: Irish Aviation Authority (IAA)
- Maximum height: 120 m (400 ft) above the ground, unless an authorization allows more.
- Registration: Register as a drone operator on the IAA's MySRS platform if your drone is over 250 g or has a camera; drones over 250 g also need the online training certificate. Official page
- Official map: IAA UAS Geographical Zones map
- In the Open category the drone must stay within visual line of sight.
How to get authorization to fly in a restricted zone
Steps and links from official sources, checked in September 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official website (IAA) before you fly.
- Check the UAS Geographical Zones map: each zone shows its conditions and the zone authority to contact. Official page
- To fly in a restricted or prohibited zone, fill in the IAA UAS operations application form (UF101) and send it to that zone's authority. Official page
- Some zones only accept Specific-category operators; for flights outside the Open category, apply to the IAA for an Operational Authorisation. Official page
- Flying a DJI drone? With the authorization in hand, request an unlock on DJI FlySafe. DJI's unlock does not replace the authority's permission.
Check zones and weather before you fly
The Drone Weather Forecast app shows these zones on a map with DJI's colours, next to the hourly wind, gusts, rain, KP index and satellites for your drone model.
Frequently asked questions
Where can't you fly a drone in Ireland?
Around airports, military bases and other restricted areas. DJI's database lists 9 restricted zones in Ireland; the official map is IAA UAS Geographical Zones map. Temporary restrictions can appear at any time, so check before every flight.
Do I need permission to fly a drone near an airport in Ireland?
Yes. Flying inside an airport zone or other restricted airspace needs an authorization. Responsible authority: Irish Aviation Authority. The official steps and links are on this page.
How high can you fly a drone in Ireland?
Up to 120 m (400 ft) above the ground under the general rules, unless an authorization allows more. Near airports the limit can be lower, or zero.
Is the DJI no-fly zone map official?
No. DJI's GEO zones are a safety layer built into DJI drones. The binding zones and rules are the ones published by the aviation authority, Irish Aviation Authority (official map: IAA UAS Geographical Zones map).
Zone counts and names: DJI FlySafe GEO database, snapshot of February 3, 2026. It is a safety guide, not the official airspace: the aviation authority publishes the binding zones and temporary restrictions.