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Hotels
There are more than 800 hotels inspected, approved and graded by Fáilte Ireland (Tourism Ireland in Ireland) and prices are fixed by Fáilte Ireland (www.failteireland.ie).
Grading: Fáilte Ireland registers and grades hotels from 5-star (highest) to 1-star (lowest). Guest Houses
Guest houses are smaller establishments often under family management. More than 490 guest houses are registered and inspected by Fáilte Ireland, from 4-star (very high standard) to 1-star (clean and comfortable), and ranging from converted country houses to purpose-built accommodation. Meals can be from bed and breakfast to full board.
Homestay Accommodation
There are hundreds of town or country homes and farmhouses offering bed and breakfast on a daily or weekly basis, with other meals often provided. This informal type of accommodation gives visitors the opportunity to share in the life of an Irish family in an urban or country setting. They may live in a Georgian residence, a farmhouse, a modern bungalow or a traditional cottage.
Self Catering
Self-catering establishments are scattered throughout Ireland. Accommodation includes houses, self-contained apartments, cottages and caravans. However, for the full rural experience there are some traditional-style thatched cottages that are fully equipped and in beautiful and remote spots.
Camping/Caravanning
Ireland has are over 100 caravan and campsites. The majority are open from May to September. Caravan and camping parks are inspected by Fáilte Ireland, and those meeting minimum requirements are identified by a special sign and listed in an official guide. Firms offering touring caravans, tents and camping equipment for hire are included in the listing.
Youth Hostels
A total of 28 youth hostels are operated by An Oige, the Irish Youth Hostel Association (www.anoige.ie). They provide simple dormitory accommodation with comfortable beds and facilities for cooking meals. Usage is confined to members of An Oige or other youth organisations affiliated to the International Youth Hostel Federation. Non-members can buy stamps at hostels entitling them to further hostel use.
Backpacker Hostels
There are registered holiday hostels offering privately owned accommodation at reasonable prices. Dormitory-style sleeping accommodation and/or private bedrooms are available, with fully equipped kitchens. No membership is required. Some provide meals, others breakfast only.
Holiday Camps/Centres
These centres offer a comprehensive holiday with a wide variety of amenities and facilities including self-catering units, indoor heated swimming pool and restaurant facilities. The centres are registered with Fáilte Ireland.
Campus Accommodation
Student accommodation is available at many of Ireland's universities during the holidays. Try www.collegecribs.ie for some help.
Resorts
There are a number of health farms throughout Ireland, which offer spa baths, massage clinics and beauty salons as well as accommodation.
Accommodation Information
Fáilte Ireland
Baggot Street Bridge, Baggot Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: (1) 602 4000. Website: www.ireland.ie or www.failteireland.ie Irish Hotels Federation 13 Northbrook Road, Dublin 6, Ireland Tell: (01) 808 4419 Website: www.irelandhotels.com Fáilte Tuaithe (Irish Farm Holidays) 2 Michael Street, Limerick, Ireland Tel: (61) 400 700 Website: www.irishfarmholidays.com Town and Country Homes Association Belleek Road, Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland Tel: (71) 982 2222. Website: www.townandcountry.ie Irish Cottage Holiday Homes Central Reservations Office, Bracken Court, Bracken Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland Tel: (1) 205 2777. Website: www.irishcottageholidays.com Irish Caravan and Camping Council PO Box 4443, Dublin 2, Ireland Website: www.camping-ireland.ie An Oige (Irish Youth Hostel Association) 61 Mountjoy Street, Dublin 7, Ireland Tel: (1) 830 4555. Website: www.irelandyha.org or www.anoige.ie Waterways Ireland Tel: 028 66 323 004. Website: www.waterwaysireland.org |
