Islands of Northern Ireland Award (IONIA)

18/04/2026 Off By Camping and Hiking

The Islands of Northern Ireland Award (IONIA) is a GMFF award programme created to encourage amateur radio activity from and with the islands of Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland has a varied and distinctive coastline, with islands ranging from well-known inhabited islands to smaller and more remote offshore locations. These islands offer an enjoyable and rewarding challenge for activators and chasers alike, while promoting portable operation, careful planning, safe access, and responsible operating practice.

The programme is open to licensed radio amateurs who are current GMFF Members. It provides recognition both to operators who activate qualifying Northern Ireland islands and to stations who work them.

Only islands included in the official IONIA Official List are valid for this award programme. Each qualifying island is identified by a unique IONIA reference number.

If you intend to activate an island that does not appear in the official list, please contact us before your expedition. The island will be reviewed and, where appropriate, assigned a unique IONIA reference number and added to the official list.

General Conditions

  • All awards are issued in accordance with the GMFF General Rules.
  • Participation is open only to licensed amateur radio operators who are current GMFF Members.
  • All QSOs must be made in accordance with the terms of the operator’s licence and the GMFF General Rules.
  • Only islands included in the official IONIA Official List are valid for award purposes.
  • Each island is defined by its unique IONIA reference as shown in the official list.
  • All operation must take place from land on the qualifying island.
  • Maritime mobile operation does not qualify for IONIA.
  • The Award Manager reserves the right to request additional evidence in support of any claim, including confirmation from the activator where necessary.
  • All information submitted in support of an application must be accurate and complete.
See also  National Nature Reserves Award (NNRA)

Chaser Awards – Hunter Series

The Hunter Series recognises radio amateurs who make confirmed contacts with stations activating qualifying Northern Ireland islands.

Award Levels

  • IONIA 10 – 10 different islands worked
  • IONIA 20 – 20 different islands worked
  • IONIA 30 – 30 different islands worked
  • IONIA 40 – 40 different islands worked
  • IONIA 50 – 50 different islands worked
  • IONIA 60 – 60 different islands worked
  • IONIA 70 – 70 different islands worked
  • IONIA 80 – 80 different islands worked
  • IONIA 90 – 90 different islands worked
  • IONIA 100 – 100 different islands worked

Requirements

  • Each qualifying QSO must be made with a valid activation of an island listed in the IONIA Official List.
  • Each island counts once only for award purposes, identified by its unique IONIA reference.
  • Multiple QSOs with the same island do not increase the award total.
  • Contacts may be made on any authorised amateur radio band or mode, subject to the GMFF General Rules.
  • Activator-to-activator contacts may count where permitted under the GMFF General Rules.

Activator Awards – Explorer Series

The Explorer Series is awarded to radio amateurs and club stations who activate qualifying islands in Northern Ireland.

Award Levels

  • IONIA Explorer 10 – 10 different islands activated
  • IONIA Explorer 20 – 20 different islands activated
  • IONIA Explorer 30 – 30 different islands activated
  • IONIA Explorer 40 – 40 different islands activated
  • IONIA Explorer 50 – 50 different islands activated
  • IONIA Explorer 60 – 60 different islands activated
  • IONIA Explorer 70 – 70 different islands activated
  • IONIA Explorer 80 – 80 different islands activated
  • IONIA Explorer 90 – 90 different islands activated
  • IONIA Explorer 100 – 100 different islands activated
See also  Special Areas of Conservation Award (SACA)

Activation Requirements

  • Operation must take place from land on the qualifying island itself.
  • Maritime mobile operation is not valid for IONIA.
  • All parts of the station, including operator, equipment, power source, and antenna system, must be located on the qualifying island.
  • A minimum of 50 QSOs with 50 different stations is required for an activation to qualify.
  • Each island counts once only towards the Explorer award totals, identified by its unique IONIA reference.
  • Repeat activations of the same island are welcome, but do not count as additional islands for Explorer award purposes.
  • Activators are responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions before operating from any location.
  • Possession of an amateur radio licence does not in itself grant any right of access to land or property.
  • Activators must comply fully with all relevant laws, regulations, site restrictions, environmental protections, and land management requirements.
  • Club stations may also qualify, provided all operation is carried out under a valid callsign and in accordance with the GMFF General Rules.
  • If you plan to activate an island that is not listed in the IONIA Official List, please contact us before the expedition. The island will be considered and, if accepted, assigned a unique IONIA reference number and added to the official list.

Application Procedure

To apply for an IONIA award:

  1. Pay the Award Fee.
  2. Record your PayPal Transaction ID, as this must be included with your application.
  3. Download and complete the appropriate application form:
  4. Submit your completed application to info@gmff.uk.

Please ensure that all claims are accurate before submission.

See also  Wetlands On The Air Award (WOTA)

Optional engraved plaques may be available for selected award levels, subject to current availability.

Links

CategoryAwards
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