It is strictly regulated.
Collecting feathers in Ireland is prohibited under the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) unless explicitly permitted, due to protections for wild bird species. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) enforces these rules, with penalties including fines up to €5,000 and imprisonment. Exceptions exist for licensed scientific or educational purposes, but general collection remains illegal.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Ireland
- Protected Species: All wild bird feathers are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976, with no exceptions for common species like pigeons or seagulls without NPWS authorization.
- Licensing Requirements: A Section 29 license from NPWS is mandatory for scientific research, taxidermy, or cultural heritage projects; applications require justification and site-specific approvals.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: NPWS is tightening enforcement in 2026, introducing digital tracking for licensed collectors and stricter penalties for unauthorized possession or trade of feathers.
Additional restrictions apply under the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), which Ireland must enforce. Even feathers from captive-bred birds may require documentation to prove legal acquisition. NPWS conducts periodic inspections of taxidermy studios and craft markets to curb illegal trade. Violations detected under the 2026 framework will trigger immediate legal action.