Garda Recruitment

NOW OPEN: 2025 GARDA TRAINEE RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN

Applications for the 2025 Garda recruitment campaign are being taken on the  Public Appointments Service website.

Deadline for applications is: 3pm on Thursday 27th February 2025

Give yourself the BEST chance of success in Garda selection process with our renowned preparation courses.

The competitive selection process involves a number of stages:

  • Application Form
  • Stage 1 – Online Aptitude Tests (Verbal & Numerical) & Written Exercise
  • Stage 2 – Competency Based Interview
  • Stage 3 – Fitness Test

Prepare for all the recruitment stages with Career Services Garda complete package (currently on special offer): Garda Complete Package

Prepare for the Stage 1 aptitude tests with their   Stage 1 preparation course

🚨 Applying for the Garda Trainee Recruitment? Get Expert Guidance – FREE!

💡 Sign up now for   FREE Garda Application Form Guidance here:

BECOMING A GARDA

We have designed this unofficial Garda website to help answer all your questions on how to become a Garda. Our dedicated Garda career information website has been created to help you in deciding if you are eligible and want to apply for a Garda career, the recruitment process, the career itself, the importance of preparing and much more. We hope you find the information helpful in your research and gain a comprehensive understanding on all the steps involved after reviewing the site.

BECOMING A GARDA

AN EXCEPTIONAL CAREER DECISION

Becoming a Garda is more than just a job. Whether you’ve always wanted to be a Garda, looking for a career change, looking to build a meaningful career with a sense of belonging or are driven by a desire to help your community while achieve a fulfilling career An Garda Síochána offers it all.

Find Your Tribe

Belonging is at the heart of a Garda career. Whether you thrive as part of a team, are drawn to the camaraderie of specialist units, or seek a respectful and supportive workplace, you’ll find your tribe within An Garda Síochána. This is a career where every individual contributes uniquely, and introverts and extroverts alike can excel.

Earning Potential of €65,000-€70,000

Garda trainees are paid while they train, receiving €345 per week for 32 weeks, with accommodation and meals provided. After 36 weeks, attested Gardaí start at €35,322, rising to €55,592 after eight years, with additional pay for overtime and unsocial hours.

According to Irish Times crime and security editor Conor Lally during an In The News podcast on 13.09.24, the average earnings for rank-and-file Gardaí are approximately €65,000–€70,000 a year based on CSO figures. Achieving this level of income would involve overtime and allowances for unsociable hours; however, these earnings are undeniably appealing.

CSO figures also show that An Garda Síochána had the highest average weekly earnings and average weekly paid hours in Q2 2024 in the public sector at €1,782.49 and 43.2 hours respectively.

This competitive pay structure, combined with meaningful work, makes a Garda career both financially and personally rewarding.

Opportunities to Progress 

Gardaí can advance into specialist units tackling fraud, forensics, drugs, and gangland crime. After three years of service, opportunities open for specialised roles and promotions, offering a career path rich with growth and challenges.


What would you like to know?

Am I eligible?

Recruitment Process
Garda training

Garda Payscale

Career progression 
career videos

Preparation courses
SERVING MEMBERS AND TRAINEES SPEAKING ABOUT THE 
GaRDA Training

Interested in preparing for the garda selection tests?

 See here for information on Garda preparation courses