Garda Trainee 2026 Competition
Apply Now!Garda Trainee 2026 Eligible Serving Garda Reserve Members Competition
Apply Now!Gardaí faoi Oiliúint 2026 Cumas sa Ghaeilge
Apply Now!Above are the competitions you can apply for (if eligible).
publicjobs, as the centralised provider of recruitment, assessment and selection services for the Civil and Public Service in Ireland, is running this competition on behalf of An Garda Síochána.
For more information about these competitions and to view the Eligibility Criteria, please read the respective Candidate Information Booklets on publicjobs.ie before applying. You can find out more about careers in An Garda Síochána on Garda.ie.
Please note there will be an in-person Information Session held in Chapter House before the closing date. Only candidates who have fully completed and submitted an application by 10am on Monday 18th May 2026, will be invited to this session. Further details will be issued to the relevant candidates.
Why Join An Garda Síochána?
Joining An Garda Síochána will change your life, and the lives of others. From the moment you join, it will be a mix of challenges, rewards, new skills and new friends.
As a member of An Garda Síochána, you will operate on the front line, supporting victims and witnesses, working in partnership with communities, providing reassurance, building trust and instilling confidence.
A career in An Garda Síochána also presents opportunities to work in a wide variety of fields, including; Community Policing, Traffic Control and Regulation, Public Order, Detective Duties, investigating Organised Crime, Fraud and Drugs Offences.
Training, Learning & Development
As a trainee you will undergo the Foundation Training Programme, which is the initial training and development programme that incorporates the training required to perform the role and functions of a Garda. The programme incorporates a Level 7 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Policing, accredited by the University of Limerick, containing three phases of training.
Pay, Allowances & Pension
Garda Trainees will receive an allowance of €354 per week for the 36 weeks of training. Accommodation and food is provided while resident in the Garda College from Sunday to Friday. Garda Trainees attest after 36 weeks and begin on a base salary of €39,194, rising incrementally to €60,333 per annum after 8 years with further increments to follow. Probationer Gardaí will be assigned to work the core shift roster (12 hour), which attracts additional allowances. Gardaí will have the opportunity to work on overtime, which is paid at a rate of time and a half, unless worked on a Sunday/public holiday, which is paid at double time. The Fast Accrual (Uniformed) members pension scheme - allows you to build up pension benefits at a higher rate each year.
Leave, Health & Wellbeing
After attestation, Probationer Gardaí get 29.5 days paid annual leave per year inclusive of public holidays and Good Friday. There are flexible working options available throughout your career (approval of management required). You will have access to comprehensive wellbeing supports, the Doctors of Choice GP scheme (GP consultation fee is covered by An Garda Síochána), and the Medical Aid scheme. You can join numerous Garda societies and clubs which facilitate the pursuit of healthy leisure activities, and you can also access the Garda Credit Union.
Making a Difference
You will contribute to purposeful work that positively impacts citizens, communities, and society. Policing is an exciting job with unique demands. It is a challenging and rewarding career, and one which continually presents new and interesting experiences.
Diversity
You will work as part of a dedicated and increasingly diverse Garda workforce, that is committed to upholding law and order and serving the people of Ireland. An Garda Síochána is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive work environment, where diversity is celebrated and all individuals are treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
Innovation
You will be part of a dynamic and innovative work environment, utilising modern equipment and new technology in the course of your duties. A career in An Garda Síochána offers you an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative and highly skilled team, which is digitally enabled and supportive.