FAQs
Have a look below at the standard questions we get asked. If you can’t find an answer to your query, contact us here and we will get right back to you.
How do I get started with archery?
Take a look at our Beginner’s Course page to learn more about how signing up to a beginner’s course and getting started.
I’ve done archery before, will I still need to do a beginner’s course?
Yes. While the beginner’s course is an introduction to archery, it’s predominantly about making sure everyone knows how to shoot safely and obey the rules of the range.
What types of archery can I do with Wicklow Archers?
Our beginner’s course teaches Olympic recurve archery, giving you a solid grounding in archery, with a brief introduction to other styles. On joining, you may want to stick with recurve, or explore other forms including longbow, barebow, horsebow, instinctive, or compound – a highly-technical shooting style. The club does not allow crossbows.
When is the club night, how often can I shoot?
We meet every Wednesday in St. Gerard’s, Bray from 7pm – 9pm. We also hold field shoots, competitions, and training in our Dargle Valley range everySunday (weather permitting).
What if I can’t make it to training on a Wednesday?
When you join Wicklow Archers, you also join Archery Ireland which entitles you to train at any affiliated club as a guest (at a cost of €5 payable in the club on the night). You’re also welcome to join in our Sunday field training and competitions.
Will I need my own equipment to join?
Equipment is provided for the beginner’s course, which you can borrow after joining. However we strongly advise purchasing your own equipment, as having the right gear will help you progress.
How young is too young to start shooting?
We welcome children from the ages of 8 and up. We wouldn’t advise starting younger than this.
Am I too old to start learning archery?
Never!
Is archery expensive?
Beginner’s courses cost a one-time fee of €100 for adults and €75 for juniors and students. When you join the club there are annual registration fees for both Archery Ireland and Wicklow Archers. Fees vary based on member type and a family discount is available.
When it comes to equipment, that’s up to you – you can spend as much or as little on this as you like. For adult members, we usually recommend an intermediate recurve kit – this will cost between €350 and €450 and will contain items that you’ll use for years to come.
What if I have a disability?
Our coaches have been trained to assist beginners who have disabilities, so we’ll always try our best to work with you to find a shooting style that’s comfortable for you. Our St. Gerard’s venue is also fully wheelchair accessible with a disabled restroom on site as well.
What kind of distances do you shoot?
Our club night in St. Gerard’s allows for a max distance of 18m/60ft. Outdoors, we have targets up to 60m/197ft. You’ll work up to this, don’t worry.
Is archery dangerous?
No and yes. There is the potential for it to be dangerous, that’s why we have a zero-tolerance policy on archers who disobey safety guidelines. Your beginner’s course will cover all the safety rules in detail.
Can I hunt with my bow?
You’d be surprised how often we get asked this. The answer is no. Bow hunting is against the law in Ireland. We do have 3D competitions if you want to “hunt” foam animals though.