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See what Ireland has in store for you

28 March 2019

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Accommodation

Rating schemes

Classification of accommodation in Ireland

From cheap and cheerful to luxurious castle living, the island of Ireland has accommodation to suit everyone

#B&Bs
#Guesthouses

Types of accommodation

Ever slept in a lighthouse? Or how about a medieval castle? Ireland's accommodation is extremely varied – but you'll find a cosy abode and a tasty meal wherever your adventures take you. But what should you expect from those stars next to the hotel name? We've got the lowdown on Ireland's accommodation rating scheme, so you know what's going on in terms of service, quality and features (naturally, a warm welcome is guaranteed!)

You can find a number of different types of accommodation to suit every budget on the island of Ireland. From hotels, B&Bs, self-catering to camping and caravanning facilities. Hotels can range from charming family-run establishments to period homes and stately castles. All B&B homes provide convenient and comfortable accommodation in a personal and homely atmosphere. The homes are always relaxing and ideal for getting to know your host, without losing any sense of privacy.

Historic properties are steeped in local legend and folklore. Staying in a castle, a tower or a cottage as if it were your own is utterly magical.
Dorothy-Ellen White, Irish Landmark Trust

accommodation-large-image — Bubble domes at Finn Lough, County Fermanagh

Unique accommodation

From barges to bubble domes, these are the most unique places to stay in Ireland...

B&B accommodation

B&Bs in the Republic of Ireland are rated on a 2-5 scale, and all meet the Fáilte Ireland miminum standards. B&Bs in Northern Ireland are not rated under a star system but are inspected by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and so are of a satisfactory level of comfort and service. You'll find there are 4 types of accommodation:

            1
        
Town house
The choice of town house B&Bs runs from detached, semi-detached to large period houses in a city, town or village. Many are in an ideal location for city visits and shopping, they are often close to train and bus services.

            2
        
Country home
Country homes are those in a rural setting. They offer a wide selection of premises such as Georgian residences, modern bungalows and traditional Irish homes. All with modern amenities, facilities and adequate garden and green surrounds

            3
        
Farmhouse
The Farmhouse B&B is a house on a working farm. It is a traditional or modern farmhouse all with modern amenities and facilities located in rural Ireland. Any home offering a holiday on a farm will allow safe access to the farm to enjoy the countryside setting in a safe environment.

            4
        
Historic houses
Historic houses are private houses of significant historical and architectural merit and character. They are based in towns and rural settings.

Accommodation across the island of Ireland

L-R: Ballyvolane, County Cork, Irish Fry, St Stephen's Green; Grand Central Hotel, Belfast; The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin

Guesthouse classification Guesthouses on the island of Ireland are rated on a 1-4 scale.

            1
        
1 star
Though simple, 1-star guesthouses meet all the mandatory requirements and perform their services to a good standard. Some of these guesthouses will have restaurant facilities.

            2
        
2 stars
Most guest bedrooms in 2-star guesthouses have a private bathroom. There will be a reading/TV loung area, and, in some cases, a restaurant.

            3
        
3 stars
These guesthouses comes with cosiness as standard. Guest rooms have a private bathroom and a direct telephone. You can expect a TV lounge area, and at least two major credit cards are accepted. Some guesthouses will have restaurant services, too.

            4
        
4 stars
These are the cream of the guesthouse crop. Guest accommodation includes half suites and every room will have a private bathroom with a bath and/or shower. Direct telephone, TV with remote control and room services are also available. Other services you can expect include dinner service, safety deposit boxes, newspapers and, in some cases, a babysitting service.

classification-large-merchantshotel — Merchant Hotel, Belfast, County Antrim

Hotel classification

Hotels on the island of Ireland are rated on a 1-5 star scale

            1
        
1 star
With 1-star hotels you can expect all the mandatory services and comforts to a good standard. Some guest rooms may have private bathrooms.

            2
        
2 stars
A 2-star hotel is likely to be family-run premises with charm and character. Guest rooms will have a telephone, private bathroom and dining facilities will also be available.

            3
        
3 stars
This ranges from small family-run hotels to larger city hotels. Every guest room will have a private bathroom. 3 star restaurants prepare food to high standards in relaxed atmosphere. 

            4
        
4 stars
This includes contemporary hotels and period houses to the highest standards with all modern comforts. Accommodation is luxurious, with suites and half-suites available. These hotels also house restaurants that dish out excellent food and service.

            5
        
5 stars
Hotels of this standard range from stately castles, country club hotels and luxury city hotels. Accommodation in 5-star hotels is luxurious and spacious; suites are available. This is the very best of the best in comfort and service. 

Accommodation across the island of Ireland

Mamore cottages, County Donegal; Maryville House, Belfast; The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin; Magherally Cottage, County Down

Self-catering classification in the Republic of Ireland

This is rated on a 1-4 scale.

            1
        
1 star
All 1-star self-catering properties will have adequate facilities and services, however, bear in mind that accommodation will be basic.

            2
        
2 stars
2-star self-catering properties will include extras, such as TV and linens. Though simple, these properties will have a good level of comfort.

            3
        
3 stars
3-star self-catering properties should be self-contained with the mandatory facilities including fresh linens and a TV.

            4
        
4 stars
4-star accommodation should include all the mandatory facilities and a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Self-catering classification in Northern Ireland

This is rated on a 1-5 scale.

            1
        
1 star
1-star self-catering properties will have adequate facilities and services, although, bear in mind that accommodation will be basic.

            2
        
2 stars
2-star self-catering properties will include extras such as TV and linens. Though simple, these properties will have a good level of comfort.

            3
        
3 stars
3-star self-catering properties should be self-contained with the mandatory facilities including fresh linens and colour TV.

            4
        
4 stars
4-star accommodation should include all the mandatory facilities and a washing machine and tumble dryer.

            5
        
5 stars
You can expect a really high standard of comfort and facilities, including TV, washing machine and tumble dryer, fresh linen, controlled heating and telephone.

Great reads to get you started

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Ireland's accommodation highlights

Map View Card View

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

Killarney

Game of Thrones® Tour – Glamping Mini Breaks at Winterfell Castle

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Tyrella House

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Ballyfin Demesne

5/5

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Blackrock Beach House

5/5

BT56 8EX

Finn Lough - Lakeside Lodges

54.5199126914649 -7.88592317252177

Riversdale Barge Holidays

Ballinamore

McGettigan's Townhouse

Dublin

Ireland's accommodation highlights

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

This magnificent Victorian mansion - one of Ireland’s leading stately homes - is situated amidst th...

Killarney

Game of Thrones® Tour – Glamping Mini Breaks at Winterfell Castle

Bed down for a night in one of our quirky glamping pods deep in the forest of ‘Winterfell’.

54.3681085455302 -5.59942245483398

Tyrella House

Detached period style dwelling with gate lodge. Horse riding, polo and country walks.

54.2538583380776 -5.77629263702872

Ballyfin Demesne

Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the centre of Ireland, the five star luxury countr...

5/5

Laois

Blackrock Beach House

This superlative holiday home overlooks the West Strand Beach in Portrush. There are 6 luxurious bedrooms, all en-suite, one with a jacuzzi bath. Blackrock Beach House has its own home cinema, a games room with surround sound and a fully fitted gym

5/5

BT56 8EX

Finn Lough - Lakeside Lodges

Situated one mile from the Donegal/Fermanagh border, Finn Lough offers the ideal setting from which to explore both counties. For those who are keen to stay put and relax there is plenty on offer within the 75 acre peninsula resort. Our range of accommodation offers the perfect escape whatever you are looking for. Families and groups will enjoy our large three bedroom lodges, complete with fully equipped kitchen, dining room, lounge and all with complimentary Wi-Fi. The Lakeside Lodges offer open fires along with fantastic lake views from the private waterside garden and balcony. They sleep 6 persons. The resort Restaurant offers daily breakfast, lunch and evening meals made with fresh local ingredients all sourced within a 30 mile radius. Also on offer are a selection of afternoon teas to suit all tastes whether you fancy something sweet, savoury or want to indulge in some local delights. We also have kayaks and mountain bikes available for rent with tours to local highlights on offer. Packages are available and can be tailored to all interests whether you are looking for an activity packed holiday, a fun family break or you’re a keen fisherman hoping for your next big catch. Please contact premises directly for details of the forest Domes – a once in a lifetime experience, sleeping in a luxurious four poster bed under a canopy of leaves and stars in the heart of the stunning Fermanagh Lakelands. Book using: www.finnlough.com www.lakelandlodges.com Tel: +44 (0) 2868 380360 E-mail: team@finnlough.com

54.5199126914649 -7.88592317252177

Riversdale Barge Holidays

Perfect for family holidays, fishing trips, and romantic trips away, as well as corporate breaks, R...

Ballinamore

McGettigan's Townhouse

Guests staying at McGettigan’s Townhouse are close to some great destinations such as the nearby Ja...

Dublin

Where to go?

Go electric in Ireland's Ancient East

Flavours of Northern Ireland

10 to try: traditional Irish food

Northern Ireland's 12 must-try treats

5 ways to travel the Wild Atlantic Way

My Ireland

Rating schemes

Classification of accommodation in Ireland

Unique accommodation

Great reads to get you started

Luxury stays

Self-catering stays

Sustainable stays

Castle stays

Unusual stays

Hotel stays

Bed & breakfast stays

Camping and caravanning stays

Historic house stays

Hostel stays

Ireland's accommodation highlights

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

Game of Thrones® Tour – Glamping Mini Breaks at Winterfell Castle

Tyrella House

Ballyfin Demesne

Blackrock Beach House

Finn Lough - Lakeside Lodges

Riversdale Barge Holidays

McGettigan's Townhouse

Ireland's accommodation highlights

Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms

Game of Thrones® Tour – Glamping Mini Breaks at Winterfell Castle

Tyrella House

Ballyfin Demesne

Blackrock Beach House

Finn Lough - Lakeside Lodges

Riversdale Barge Holidays

McGettigan's Townhouse