Jury Service in Ireland: Pay, Excuses, Attire & What to Expect

That envelope from the Courts Service can feel a bit heavy, but jury service in Ireland is simpler than you might expect once you know what’s waiting. Whether you’re wondering about pay, valid excuses, or the best way to dress, this guide covers every practical detail — including what happens if you nod off in court.

Typical jury service duration: 5 to 10 days ·
Daily payment (first 10 days): €35 per day ·
Daily payment (after 10 days): €70 per day ·
Age requirement: 18 to 70 years ·
Number of jurors in a criminal trial: 12

Six parameters define your jury service obligations: age, allowance, and the potential cost of non-attendance. Here’s the breakdown.

Can I refuse jury duty in Ireland?

Technically, no. Jury service is compulsory for eligible citizens. Refusing to attend without a valid excuse can lead to a fine — up to €2,500 according to the Courts Service of Ireland (official court authority). But there are lawful ways to be excused or deferred.

What are valid excuses for jury duty in Ireland?

• Serious illness or disability (medical certificate required) (Courts Service of Ireland guidance)
• Full-time student status
• Being a full-time carer or a new parent with no alternative childcare
• Self-employed persons facing serious business harm (Courts Service of Ireland)

Who is exempt from jury duty in Ireland?

• People over 65 (the summons age stops at 70, but those 65+ can be excused automatically) (Courts Service of Ireland)
• Full-time students, certain teaching staff with principal certification
• Practising doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, vets, pharmacists
• Religious ministers or members of religious orders
• Certain Oireachtas and State office holders

How to get dismissed or excused from jury duty

You must respond to your summons — either online via the Courts Service jury response system (official online portal) or by post. Attach copies of supporting documents. You cannot request excusal by phone. Another person (including an employer) cannot apply on your behalf except in exceptional cases like illness or incapacity (Courts Service of Ireland).

The implication: if you lack documented proof of a recognized excuse, your options for excusal are limited.

Do you get paid for jury service in Ireland?

Jurors receive a daily allowance, but there’s nuance around self-employment and employer obligations.

How much do you get paid for jury duty in Ireland?

• Days 1–10: €35 per day (Courts Service of Ireland (employment rights guide))
• Day 11 onward: €70 per day
• Lunch is provided on trial days (Citizens Information (official public advice))

Are travel expenses covered?

Travel expenses are reimbursed at public transport rates, and a subsistence allowance may also be paid (Citizens Information).

Does my employer have to pay me during jury service?

The Juries Act 1976 protects employees — your employer must continue to pay you during jury service (Courts Service of Ireland). However, there is no statutory compensation for self-employed people. If you are self-employed and jury service would seriously harm your business, you can apply for excusal (Courts Service of Ireland).

The pattern: the legal framework protects employees but leaves self-employed jurors to bear the financial burden of civic duty.

What should I wear for jury duty in Ireland?

Dress codes exist to maintain the dignity of the courtroom. The Courts Service of Ireland (official court administration) recommends smart, respectful attire — business casual works well.

Is there a dress code for jury duty in Ireland?

• Smart trousers or skirt with a collared shirt or blouse
• Jacket or blazer optional but fine
• Closed-toe shoes

What not to wear to court

• Jeans, shorts, t-shirts with slogans
• Hats (unless required for religious reasons)
• Overly casual footwear like flip-flops

The catch: dressing too casually can undermine the courtroom’s authority and may draw a judge’s reprimand.

What is serving on a jury like?

The process from summons to verdict is structured. Here’s what happens at each stage.

How are jurors selected?

Names are randomly drawn from the electoral register. You receive a summons letter with a date and instructions to respond online. On arrival, you join a panel; the judge and barristers question potential jurors to select the final 12 for a criminal trial (Citizens Information).

What happens in the courtroom during a trial?

• Opening statements from prosecution and defence
• Presentation of evidence (witnesses, documents, exhibits)
• Closing arguments
• Judge’s legal instructions to the jury
• Jury deliberation in private to reach a unanimous or majority verdict

What does a typical day look like?

Arrive around 9:30 AM. After selection, you listen to evidence and arguments. The trial may break for lunch (provided on trial days). Afternoon sessions continue until the judge adjourns. Deliberations can extend into the evening. The Supreme Court of Ireland (highest court) launched an online platform in 2022 to simplify the process for jurors.

What if I fall asleep during jury duty?

Falling asleep during proceedings is taken seriously. It’s considered contempt of court, which can carry a fine or even imprisonment (Citizens Information).

What happens when a juror sleeps in court?

The judge may dismiss the juror and replace them with an alternate. If a juror repeatedly fails to stay awake, the trial could be delayed or a mistrial declared.

Can a sleeping juror be removed?

Yes. The judge has the authority to remove a juror who is not paying attention, ensuring the integrity of the trial.

What are the legal consequences of not paying attention?

Beyond contempt, the juror may be ordered to pay costs for any delay or retrial. The Courts Service of Ireland emphasizes that attentive participation is a legal duty.

Step-by-Step Guide to Jury Service in Ireland

1. Receive your summons — The letter arrives by post with a date and a unique reference number.
2. Respond online — Use the Courts Service jury response portal (official online system) to confirm attendance, request excusal, or defer.
3. Prepare documents — If applying for excusal, gather medical certificates, student enrolment, or proof of caring responsibilities.
4. Arrive on time — Check the courthouse location, parking options, and aim to arrive by 9:30 AM. Bring your summons and photo ID.
5. Dress appropriately — Smart, respectful clothing; avoid casual wear.
6. Participate attentively — Listen to evidence, take notes if allowed, and follow the judge’s instructions.
7. Deliberate and reach a verdict — Discuss the case with fellow jurors in private, and aim for a unanimous decision (majority may be accepted in some cases).

The pattern: the process from summons to verdict requires careful attention at every stage, with failure to respond being the most common pitfall.

What the Courts Say

“Jury service is an important civic duty that ensures the right to a fair trial.”

Courts Service of Ireland (official court authority)

“If you are summoned for jury service, you must attend unless excused by the county registrar or trial judge.”

Citizens Information (official public advice body)

“The online platform for jury service makes it easier for citizens to respond and access information.”

Supreme Court of Ireland (highest judicial authority)

The message is consistent: attend promptly, respond formally, and participate attentively. For employees in Ireland, the choice to serve is clear: your job is protected, but you must treat the duty with the seriousness it deserves. The trade-off for self-employed individuals is steeper — no compensation unless you can demonstrate exceptional harm.

For anyone called to serve, the choice is clear: respond promptly, prepare thoroughly, and participate attentively — or face legal consequences that can go far beyond a fine. The recent case of Paul Doyle and the Reena Virk fact-check remind us how seriously courts treat proceedings.