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Outdoor Event Licence

Organisers of outdoor events with an audience of more than 5,000 may have to apply to Clare County Council for a licence.

What is classified as an outdoor event?

An outdoor event is defined as a public performance which takes place mainly in the open air or in a structure with no roof or a partial, temporary or retractable roof, a tent or similar temporary structure and which consists of music, dancing, displays of public entertainment or any activity of a like kind.

When do I need a licence?

Where an outdoor public event comprises of an audience of 5,000 or more people, the organiser is required to obtain an Outdoor Events Licence from Clare County Council. This is in accordance with the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Part 16 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).

Revised Regulations in relation to the Licensing of Events

A summary of the changes are listed below:

  • Mandatory for event promoters to have a pre-application consultation meeting with the relevant local authority prior to submitting an events licence application
  • Events licence applications will not be accepted by Clare County Council unless a pre-application consultation has already taken place with the event promoter
  • Event promoters will not be entitled to advertise or sell tickets for events prior to the holding of a pre-application consultation meeting with Clare County Council.
  • Where tickets for events have been advertised and sold prior to the holding of a pre-application consultation meeting, an application for an event licence will not be accepted by Clare County Council.
  • Event licensing applications (letter of application, public notice, drawings/plans, event management plans etc.) must be lodged with Clare County Council at least 13 weeks in advance of the proposed event.
  • Clare County Council must make their decision on an event licence application no later than 4 weeks in advance of the proposed event.
  • Where it is proposed to add performances to a schedule already announced, a further pre-application consultation meeting will be required to take place before the announcement of any additional dates.
  • The public consultation period in relation to event licence applications is 3 weeks.

Applications for both pre-consultation meetings and outdoor event licences must be submitted to the Planning Department, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 DXP2. Alternatively, they can be emailed to planoff@clarecoco.ie

Page last reviewed: 09/01/26

Content managed by: Planning Department

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