How to apply for a civil restraining order
- Where to apply
How to identify the District Court office where you submit your civil restraining order application.
- Making your application
Information you need to provide to the court office so they can issue a summons to you and the respondent.
- Attend the full court hearing
Information about attending your court hearing where a judge will decide on your application.
- After your court hearing
Details about the possible outcomes of your civil restraining order hearing.
Where to apply
You must apply at the District Court office for the court area where you or the respondent currently live. If you moved from your usual address because of the respondent’s behaviour, you may still apply in the court area where you would normally live.
Applications in Dublin
If you are applying in Dublin, go to the Civil Office in the Áras Uí Dhálaigh building in the Four Courts complex. You can use our Four Courts virtual tour (opens in a new tab) and select the Áras Uí Dhálaigh tab to see the Civil Office location.
If you are unsure
Contact the court office in advance for help, or get legal advice to understand what’s involved.
If you need urgent help when the office is closed
If you are in immediate danger or you feel you or someone connected to you is not safe, contact the Gardaí immediately by calling 999 or 112. You can also find a local station via the Garda station directory (opens in a new tab) .
Making your application
How long an order can last
Civil restraining orders can last for up to five years, unless a shorter time is stated in the order.
What you must be able to show
- Proof of stalking or harassment — for example, physical harm, violent threats, impersonation, following or repeated unwanted contact.
- Fear for your safety and impact on daily life — explain how the behaviour has affected your day-to-day activities.
You can apply yourself, or the Gardaí may be able to apply on your behalf. For the legal tests and examples of behaviours, see the relevant legislation on the Irish Statute Book (opens in a new tab) .
Information you must give the court office
1. Applicant details
Provide your full name and address. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must apply on your behalf. If your application includes any connected persons, include their names and addresses.
2. Respondent’s details
Provide the respondent’s full name and address. If the respondent is under 18, include the name and address of their parent or guardian. If there are multiple respondents, provide details for each person.
3. Details about your application
Explain your situation and what you are asking the court to order. Give any addresses that are relevant to the order you want. For example, if you want the respondent to stay away from your place of work or study, include those addresses.
Fees and payment
The application fee is €80. You can pay at the counter by cash or by debit/credit card. If a member of An Garda Síochána applies on your behalf, there is no fee.
Your hearing date
Your case will be scheduled for the next available sitting of the District Civil Court. Timeframes vary by location.
If you need immediate protection
Attend the full court hearing
Attending your court hearing
After you make your application, the court office will send you a summons for a civil restraining order . It will include the date, time and venue of your hearing.
If you have accessibility needs, contact the relevant court office or email [email protected].
You must attend court on the appointed date and time. The respondent is also required to attend this full hearing and may have legal representation.
Your application will be heard in private. Usually only the judge, the court registrar, your legal representative (solicitor or barrister), and a member of An Garda Síochána (if relevant) may be present.
Going to court can be stressful. See our preparing for civil court guidance to help you get ready.
Both you and the respondent may give evidence. You will be asked to swear an oath or make an affirmation and answer questions about your situation. The judge will decide how questioning takes place. They may allow only solicitors or barristers to ask questions, or they may allow you or the respondent to ask questions directly in some situations.
Outcomes of your hearing
After hearing the evidence, the judge may:
Grant an order
This means the court gives you the order you applied for. The order will set out how long it lasts and any conditions.
Refuse the order
This means the court does not grant the order you applied for.
Adjourn the application
This means the decision is postponed to a later date. This can happen if more information or evidence is needed, or if the respondent does not attend.
Strike out the application
This means the application is dismissed or cancelled. This can happen if you or your solicitor do not attend. Any related protective orders (for example, an ex parte interim restraining order or an inter partes interim restraining order) will also be cancelled and will no longer be in place.
After your civil restraining order hearing
If your application is successful
- You and the respondent will each receive a copy of the order.
- The court office will send a copy to An Garda Síochána for their records.
The order only takes effect once the respondent has been notified. If the respondent attended the hearing, they are considered notified. If they did not attend, the judge will decide who should serve the order — either the Courts Service or An Garda Síochána.
If the order is breached
It is a criminal offence to breach a civil restraining order. If the order is breached, contact the Gardaí immediately (opens in a new tab) . See our if someone breaches a civil restraining order page for more information.
If you want to appeal
If you are not satisfied with the court order, you can appeal the decision to the Circuit Court. This means asking the Circuit Court to hear the case again and make a new decision.
Your appeal documents should be served and filed within 14 days of the District Court decision. For more details, see our appeals page.
