Holiday & Self Catering Accommodation
Competent Authority
Fáilte Ireland is the Competent Authority for the registration of holiday accommodation in Ireland.
Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2016, any tourism business under the guise of a holiday apartment or holiday cottage must be registered with Fáilte Ireland.
In order to be registered as a holiday apartment or cottage, you must have one reception building located on the same site as your accommodation, and these should all operate under the same management.
All units must contain sleeping, dining and lounge accommodation, as well as storage space, a toilet, and bathing and cooking facilities.
All self-catering properties within a registered group framework, are required to meet all of the regulation requirements under the Tourist Traffic Acts.
Details for holiday cottages and holiday apartments are available on the Fáilte Ireland website, here.
Application Process
The first step is the completion of a self-assessment via the Fáilte Ireland Trade Portal. Applications and self-assessments may only be completed online. Once a minimum standard is met, an assessment visit will be scheduled.
The self-assessment can be completed in multiple sessions, as previous responses are saved within the portal. However, once the self-assessment is submitted it cannot be amended and a provisional rating is provided to the business by email shortly after completion. This provisional rating is included in the discussion as part of the on-site assessment conducted by a Fáilte Ireland Quality Assurance Assessors.
Guidelines on completing the self-assessment can be found below:
Holiday Apartments
Appeals
Fáilte Ireland provide a summarised view of regulations and requirements under the Tourist Traffic Acts (available here), and provides a complete direction to the requirements of the Acts in this regard.
If an applicant can meet all the requirements of Regulation (which are outlined in the details provided by the link above), there should be no expected issue with registration. If an applicant cannot meet all of the requirements of Regulation then the Application cannot progress.
Further Information
Fáilte Ireland - Registration of holiday apartments and cottages
Fáilte Ireland - Self Catering Accommodation home page
Health & Safety guide for catering and hospitality (external)
Starting a food service business
Contact Details
Email: customersupport@failteireland.ie
Telephone: +353 1 884 7101 or 1800 242473
The above is for general information purposes only. Queries regarding Holiday apartments and cottages can be directed to Fáilte Ireland.
Last updated: 9th August 2021