Skip navigation and jump to content
Welcome to Ireland's Youth Information Website
Follow us
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Snapchat

Accessibility Options

High Contrast Text Size

Take our quiz on minimum ages in Ireland

Test your knowledge on legal minimum ages.

Written by SpunOut | View this authors Twitter page and posted in life

Share this article -

Prove your knowledge on the law in Ireland with these 8 questions.

Share this article -

Q1. What is the age at which you consent to medical treatment on your own?

Correct!

Yep. Young people of 16 or over can consent to treatment on their own behalf.

However, if a patient between 16 and 18 refuses to consent to treatment against medical advice and parental wishes, it is unclear what this means legally and legal advice may need to be sought.

Incorrect.

Young people of 16 or over can consent to treatment on their own behalf. Click here for more information.

A refusal of treatment by a patient between 16 and 18 years which is against medical advice and parental wishes is of uncertain legal validity. Consideration should be given to seeking legal advice if this situation arises.

Q2. What is the minimum age you can join An Garda Síochána at?

Correct!

Incorrect.

Q3. What is the age of sexual consent in Ireland?

Correct!

The age of consent in the Republic of Ireland is 17. The age of consent in Northern Ireland is 16.

Incorrect.

The age of consent in the Republic of Ireland is 17. The age of consent in Northern Ireland is 16. For more information on consent and what it is, click here.

Q4. What age do you have to be to run for national election?

Correct!

​Yes! You can also stand for local election at age 18 and run for president at age 35.

Incorrect.

You can stand for local election at age 18, national election at age 21 and run for president at age 35.

Q5. What is the minimum age you must be to start working in any capacity?

Correct!

Correct! Find out more info about u18 work rights here.

Incorrect.

At age 14 you can work up to 7 hours per day (35 hours per week) during school holidays only.At age 15 you can work up to 8 hours per week during term-time and up to 7 hours per day (35 hours per week) during school holidays.
At age 16 you can work up to 8 hours per day (40 hours per week).

Find out more info about u18 work rights here.

Q6. What is the minimum legal age you can own a dog at?

Correct!

Correct! But there is no minimum age to keep other pets as no licence is required.

Incorrect.

You must be 16 to have a dog licence to keep a dog. There’s no minimum age to keep other pets as no licence is required.

Q7. What is the minimum legal age that you can get a tattoo at?

Correct!

​Correct. However, many tattoo shops will refuse to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, or anyone 16+ who does not have a parent or guardian with them.

Incorrect.

There is no legal minimum age. However, many tattoo shops will refuse to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, or anyone 16+ who does not have a parent or guardian with them.

Q8. What is the legal minimum age you need to be to babysit?

Correct!

Incorrect.

​There is no legal minimum age you have to be to babysit.

So, how did you do?

You have completed 0 of 8 questions. Please complete them all.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

Published April 1st, 2016
Last updated June 22nd, 2018
Tags alcohol tattoo gardai election minimum age ireland
Can this be improved? Contact editor@spunout.ie if you have any suggestions for this article.

Need more information?

Request to speak with a youth worker in your area over the phone, by email or text. They may be able to assist you by providing further information specific to your needs.

Youth Work Ireland - Crosscare - YMCA

Contact via: Phone E-mail Text
By clicking submit you agree to our terms and conditions. ​Please note that this service is run by Youth Work Ireland and Crosscare​.​ E​nquiries are not handled by SpunOut.ie directly.
Jump to related articles
Was this article helpful?