Scouting and Guiding in Ireland began six months after Baden Powell founded the first Scouts' association near the Isle of Wight, England.^[1]

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The first Scouting groups in Ireland were founded in Dublin and Dundalk. These were both established near British Army bases which resulted in Catholic boys not joining these groups. A Catholic Scouting group was set up by Tom Farrell, a curate, in 1927.^[1]

The first Guiding group was established in Ireland in 1911 in Harold's Cross in Dublin, a year after Powell's sister, Agnes Baden-Powell, founded the first Girl Guides Association.^[2]

The Scout and Guide movement in Ireland are now served by a number of groups.

• Scouting Ireland, the World Organization of the Scout Movement recognized Scouting association of the Republic of Ireland. They also operate in Northern Ireland
• The Scout Association, recognized Scouting association in the United Kingdom operating only in Northern Ireland
• Baden-Powell Scouts' Association, member of the World Federation of Independent Scouts operating in Northern Ireland

• the Council of Irish Guiding Associations, member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, a federation consisting of:
  • the Catholic Guides of Ireland, an all island association
  • the Irish Girl Guides only serving the Republic of Ireland
• Girlguiding Ulster, a branch of Girlguiding UK operates only in Northern Ireland