The Courts Service has published the dates for the 2026 annual licensing courts in every District Court area, including the Dublin Metropolitan District.
Annual licensing courts are generally held during September, with some Dublin sittings taking place in early October. They deal with licences and certificates attached to pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants, including club certificates, public dance licences, music and singing licences and restaurant certificates. The new licensing year begins on 1 October 2026.
See all annual licensing court dates for 2026
schedule Key deadlines
- The time limit for lodging an application varies by application type. Some applications must be lodged at least 21 days before the court date and others at least 28 days before. Check the relevant application page for the correct timeline.
- Newspaper notices, fire officer notifications and HSE notifications may also be required. The relevant application page explains the notice requirements and deadlines that apply.
- Supporting documents, sometimes called proofs, must be submitted to the relevant court office before the court date.
Early preparation is strongly recommended. Applications that are not in order may be adjourned to a return sitting.
How to apply
Legal firms can lodge, pay, serve and track annual licensing applications online through Courts Service Online (CSOL). Firms that are not yet registered can find out how to register.
Members of the public can apply by post or through their local court office, using the forms available on the relevant application page.
Find out more
Select the relevant application below to find out when it must be lodged, which forms to complete and what supporting documents or proofs you need.
- Annual licensing court dates 2026 — dates for every district
- Annual licensing court — how the court works and how to prepare
- Club certificate renewal
- Annual public dance licence
