Policies & Legal

What is the Ireland Short-Term Letting Register?

Updated 2026-05-28

The Ireland Short-Term Letting Register is a mandatory national database for all properties offered as short-term tourist lets. Established under the Short-Term Tourist Letting Act, its primary purpose is to provide Fáilte Ireland with accurate data on the sector and to verify that properties comply with relevant legal requirements, including planning permission where applicable.

All hosts and property managers must register their properties to legally operate and advertise them in Ireland.

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How it works

Property owners must apply online via Fáilte Ireland's dedicated portal. The application requires submitting property details, ownership information, and a declaration of compliance with statutory obligations for planning permission and safety.

Upon successful validation, the property is issued a unique registration number. This number must then be prominently displayed on all advertisements and online listings, including on OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo as well as direct booking websites.

Online platforms are legally required to verify that a valid registration number is displayed before allowing a property to be listed.

Why it matters

For hosts, registering is a legal prerequisite for operating a short-term let; non-compliance can lead to significant fines and the de-listing of their property. The register creates a more transparent marketplace by providing official data on the size and location of rental accommodations.

This data helps inform national and local government policies on housing and tourism. It also aims to standardize the market by ensuring all operators adhere to the same foundational safety and regulatory standards.

Examples

  • A property manager overseeing several apartments in Dublin for short stays is required to register each unit individually and ensure each unique registration number is displayed on all marketing channels.
  • An online travel agency removes a listing for a property in Galway because the host failed to provide a valid registration number from the Ireland Short-Term Letting Register as required by law.
  • A host who rents out a spare room in their home in Cork on a short-term basis must also register the room with Fáilte Ireland and display the issued number on their listing.
  • An owner of a cottage in County Kerry must first apply to the Short-Term Letting Register and obtain a registration number before their listing on Airbnb can legally go live.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ireland Short-Term Letting Register mandatory for all short-term lets?+
Yes, the register is mandatory for all properties offered for short-term tourist lettings in Ireland for periods of up to and including 21 nights. This includes rooms rented within a host's principal private residence.
What happens if I don't register my property?+
Operating an unregistered short-term let is a legal offense. Penalties include fines of up to €5,000, and it is illegal for online platforms to advertise an unregistered property, effectively removing it from the market.
What information is needed for registration?+
Applicants must provide their contact information, the property's address, and a declaration confirming they have the necessary planning permission to operate a short-term let, if applicable. They also need to confirm compliance with health and safety regulations.
Where must the registration number be displayed?+
The registration number must be clearly displayed on all advertisements and online listings for the property. This includes listings on OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com, social media promotions, and on a host's own direct booking website, which can be created using tools like the Lodgify website builder.
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