Is Public Nudity Legal in Ireland?
OfficialSimple nudity is not an offence· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
Yes: since 2017 the exposure offence requires exposing the genitals with intent to cause fear, distress or alarm, so non-sexual nudity is not in itself an offence according to the Irish Naturist Association. Older public-order laws (Vagrancy Act 1824 s.4, Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 s.5) remain in force and the 2017 law has not been tested in court, so the association advises discretion.[1][2][3]
Main provision: Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, s. 45 (exposure, offensive conduct of sexual nature)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
There are no officially designated nude beaches documented in the sources we found; the Irish Naturist Association keeps a map of naturist locations by province.[3]
Private naturist clubs and resorts
The Irish Naturist Association runs members-only naturist events.[3]
Penalties
A s.45 offence carries a class D fine or up to 6 months in prison on summary conviction, or a class C fine or up to 2 years on indictment; Gardaí can arrest without warrant on reasonable suspicion.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Ireland?
Yes: since 2017 the exposure offence requires exposing the genitals with intent to cause fear, distress or alarm, so non-sexual nudity is not in itself an offence according to the Irish Naturist Association. Older public-order laws (Vagrancy Act 1824 s.4, Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 s.5) remain in force and the 2017 law has not been tested in court, so the association advises discretion.
Are there official nude beaches in Ireland?
There are no officially designated nude beaches documented in the sources we found; the Irish Naturist Association keeps a map of naturist locations by province.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Ireland?
The Irish Naturist Association runs members-only naturist events.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Ireland?
A s.45 offence carries a class D fine or up to 6 months in prison on summary conviction, or a class C fine or up to 2 years on indictment; Gardaí can arrest without warrant on reasonable suspicion.
Sources
- Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, s. 45 (Law Reform Commission revised acts) (statute)
- Irish Naturist Association: Legal (federation)
- Irish Naturist Association: FAQ (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.