Can I run an AI agent on IRC?

Yes. Both OpenClaw and Hermes support IRC. The bot connects out to a server and joins channels, with no public endpoint required.

Does an IRC bot lose messages when it restarts?

Yes. IRC has no redelivery or replayable message IDs, so anything sent while the bot is disconnected is lost. Use a queued channel such as Matrix or email if that matters.

Does the IRC allowlist restrict channel access?

No. The allowlist governs direct messages only. Anyone in a channel the bot has joined can address it, so choose channels deliberately.

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Guide

Connect IRC to Your AI Agent

IRC is the oldest channel either framework speaks, and the simplest to connect. It is also the one with the fewest guarantees, so it is worth understanding what the protocol will and will not do for you.

What IRC Gives You

A plain, fast, text-only channel with no vendor in the middle. The bot connects out to a server, joins channels, and answers. There is no app to register, no token to request from a platform owner, and nothing to expose publicly.

What IRC Does Not Give You

IRC has no replayable message IDs and no redelivery. If the bot is disconnected when someone speaks, that message is simply gone — the protocol cannot resend it. Message identifiers are only meaningful within a single connection, so nothing can be deduplicated across a reconnect either.

In practice this means IRC is a good fit for live conversation and a poor fit for anything where a missed message matters. If you need durability, use a channel that queues, such as Matrix or email.

Choosing a Server

A private IRC server is the better choice for anything involving your own work. If you use a public network, Libera.Chat, OFTC and Snoonet are the common ones — and avoid predictable channel names for bot traffic, since anyone can join a public channel and talk to your agent.

OpenClaw Setup

Install the plugin and start the gateway:

openclaw plugins install @openclaw/irc
openclaw gateway run

The server hostname is the one required connection setting. Direct messages default to pairing, which is the safe default — an unknown user who messages the bot gets a code, and nothing happens until you approve it:

openclaw pairing approve irc <code>

The Gotcha Worth Knowing

The allowlist applies to direct messages, not to channels. It is easy to assume that restricting who may DM the bot also restricts who it listens to in a channel, and it does not. If the bot is in a public channel, everyone in that channel can address it.

So decide deliberately which channels the bot joins, and prefer requiring a mention before it replies in busy rooms — otherwise it will try to answer everything.

Hermes Setup

Run the guided setup and pick IRC:

hermes gateway setup

You can configure it through the gateway configuration file or with environment variables, whichever you prefer. Once it is running, check the connection state:

hermes gateway status

That reports IRC connection state, including for environment-only setups.

Troubleshooting

Connects then drops immediately. Many networks require a registered nick or reject clients that look automated. Register the nickname and identify with the network's services.
It joined but says nothing. It is likely waiting to be mentioned, or the channel requires an invite or a key.
It missed messages while restarting. That is IRC, not a bug — the protocol cannot resend them.
Strangers are using your bot in a public channel. The DM allowlist does not cover channels. Move it to a private channel or a private server.

Need a Hand?

Contact support from your dashboard and we will get it connected for you.