The initial growth mirrors that of Scouting in the United Kingdom, with groups forming organically, with young people and adults inspired by Baden Powell's writings coming together.

As Ireland remained part of the British Empire, the governance of Scouting in Ireland was headed in an official capacity by The Scout Association and its Chief Scout, Robert Baden-Powell The first recorded meeting took place at the home of Richard P. Fortune, a Royal Naval Reservist, at 3 Dame Street, Dublin on 15 February 1908 where four boys were enrolled in the Wolf Patrol of the 1st Dublin Troop.

A plaque marks the location of the house, now demolished, on the plaza next to Dublin's City Hall.

At this time, the name of Irish Free State Scout Council was adopted, as the association expanded its reach outside of the greater Dublin area, becoming a national organisation.

Ernest Farrell, a curate in Greystones, County Wicklow in 1925/1926, the association was hastened in its initiation by his brother Fr.

This was subsequently changed to Scouting Ireland (SAI) in advance of the merging of the association with the CBSI.

In May 2020, it was revealed that prior to the 2004 merger with the CBSI which formed Scouting Ireland, the SAI covered up sex abuse committed by people who served in the organization.

These sections were introduced over time, responding to the need for peer groups to work together as part of the Scout Method.

This trend has continued, with females now making up some forty percent of the membership of the SAI's successor, Scouting Ireland Lough Dan in Roundwood, County Wicklow served as the associations national campsite.

The site remains a part of Scouting Ireland's national campsite network alongside Larch Hill, Mount Melleray, Killaloe National Scout Water Activity Centre and Castle Saunderson.