Accommodation Grades

Hotels and Guesthouses are operating under a star classification system devised by Failte Ireland; the Irish Tourist Board and the Irish Hotels Federation. This system has been introduced to make it easier for visitors to evaluate and choose the hotel or guesthouse of their choice. Each hotel and guesthouse has a distinct character and range of facilities and details of the style and service unique to each premises are listed on this site.

Hotel Classifications

Five Star

These include Dublin's most luxurious hotels, all of which are of high International standards. They range from elegant, stately castles to prestigious country clubs and top class city hotels catering for the business and tourist visitor. All guest accommodation is luxurious, with suites and half suites available in most cases. These fine hotels boast some of the country's best restaurants and offer table d'hôte and/or a la carte lunch and dinner menus. Exceptional service and a personalised welcome are the norm in these hotels.

Four Star

These include contemporary hotels of excellent quality and charming period houses renovated to very high standards complete with all modern comforts. All guest accommodation is luxurious with suites and half suites available in most cases. Restaurant facilities provide excellent cuisine and service for the discerning diner. Table d'hôte and/or a la carte lunch and dinner menus are available.

Three star

These range from small, family operated premises to larger, modern hotels. Guest rooms are well decorated with the emphasis on comfort and all have a private bathroom with a bath and/or shower. Restaurants offer high standards of cuisine in relaxed and hospitable surroundings. Table d'hôte and/or a la carte menus are available. These hotels offer a wide range of services making them ideal for the cost-conscious traveller seeking comfort.

Two star

These are more likely to be family operated premises, selected for their charm and their comfortable facilities. All guest rooms have a telephone and most have a private bathroom with a bath and/or shower. Full dining facilities are available, representing excellent value and good wholesome food.

One Star

Here you can enjoy the comforts of a pleasantly simple hotel where a warm welcome prevails. These premises offer all the mandatory services and facilities to a satisfactory standard, necessary for a most enjoyable and relaxed visit. Some guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath and/or shower.

Guesthouse Classifications

Four star

This is the top classification for guesthouses in Ireland. Guest accommodation includes half-suites and all guest rooms have aprivate bathroom with bath and/or shower, direct dial telephone, and colour TV and radio, controlled from the bed. Room service offers full breakfast. Many premises provide dinner, with table d'hôte and /or a la carte menus. Guesthouse facilities include car parking, safety deposit boxes, fax, newspapers and babysitting service.

Three star

All guest rooms have a private bathroom with bath and/or shower and direct dial telephone. Room service offers a plain breakfast. Guesthouse facilities include a TV. lounge, possibility of exchanging travellers cheques, and at least two major credit cards are accepted. Restaurant facilities are available in some guesthouses.

Two Star

The majority of the guest rooms have a private bathroom with bath and/or shower. Guesthouse facilities include a reading/writing room or a lounge area for residents' use. Restaurant facilities are available in some guesthouses.

One Star

These premises meet all the mandatory requirements for guesthouses and offer simple accommodation, facilities and services to a satisfactory standard. Restaurant facilities are available in some guesthouses

Hotels and Guesthouses may be classified with the symbols AC, R, NR, and U are unclassified for the following reasons;

• AC= Registered, Awaiting Classificiation
• R = Undergoing Refurbishment/Reconstruction
• NR = Not registered at this time, but have met standards necessary for registration.
• U = Unclassified. Premises may opt to remain unclassified and will be shown as U on this website. Of course these premises meet the mandatory requirements for hotel/guesthouse registration.

 

Accommodation Types

Hotels

Stately country houses, luxurious castles and modern premises are all included in this category. All hotels comply with statutory registration regulations which cover physical requirements and the level of service provided. Most hotels welcome children. Hotels carrying the Family Friendly symbol meet the particular needs of children providing playgrounds, playroom, special menus, mealtimes, etc. Meals and refreshments are available to non-residents. All hotels have bars.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses vary from five bedroom family houses, Georgian and Victorian residences to larger professionally serviced modern premises. The informal atmosphere and personal attention are features of this category. The availability of meals to non-residents is not a requirement although some do provide this service. All guesthouses comply with statutory registration regulations which cover physical requirements and the level of service provided.

Country Homes

Country homes offer a wide selection of premises such as Georgian residences, modern bungalows and traditional Irish homes - all with modern amenities and facilities. You will find homes relaxing and ideal for getting to know your hosts and neighbours. Evening meals are provided in some premises, if, notice is given before 12.00 noon.

Farmhouses

For a small country, Ireland has an unexpected diversity of countryside. There is a variety of experiences to be enjoyed in farmhouses which can be old-fashioned farms and modern farming units. Farmhouse holidays are particularly attractive for those who want to get away from the rigours of modern life. Dinner is usually provided but, it is advisable to check with your host before noon.

Town Houses (B&Bs)

The choice of town houses run from detached and semi-detached family homes to larger period houses. Most are in an ideal location for city visits and shopping as they are often close to public transport. They are an ideal choice if you are looking for accommodation in a personal and homely atmosphere.

Hostels

Holiday hostels are privately owned and offer accommodation at reasonable prices. These premises are registered with Bord Failte - The Irish Tourist Board. Multi-bedded rooms and family bedrooms are available and some premises provide breakfast and evening meals. All provide a kitchen and cooking facilities.

Campus

This type of accommodation offers good quality rooms, mostly self catering but some are serviced, on or near a university campus.

Self-catering

Self-catering accommodation offers a wide selection of self-contained properties ranging from modern apartments to houses to period accommodations and holiday complexes. These properties can be rented weekly, monthly or sometimes just for the weekend.

Specialist Accommodation

Specialist accommodation includes a variety of accommodations ranging from YWCA hostels to stately homes.

Caravan and Camping

All Caravan and Camping parks included on this site have been inspected and graded by Failte Ireland-The Irish Tourist Board. They all comply to a maximum pitch density, have good supervision and maintenance, proper surfaces for car and caravan traffic, good toilet facilities, water supply points and refuse disposal outlets. Many, offer facilities such as shops, restaurants and indoor/outdoor games.

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V A S Scheme

To facilitate those with special needs, Fáilte Ireland has developed a new scheme for the validation and provision of information on registered and approved accommodation that provides for those needs. There are four categories, which are described below.

Click here to see a list of all VAS approved accommodation in Dublin.

Accessible to ambulant people capable of climbing flights of steps with a maximum height between landings of 1.8 metres.	Accessible to ambulant people with mobility impairments but capable of climbing three steps.
Accessible to wheelchair users including those who can transfer unaided to and from the wheelchair.	Accessible to all wheelchair users including those requiring assistance to transfer to and from the wheelchair e.g. carer / partner.