Guest houses

Competent Authority

Fáilte Ireland is the Competent Authority for the registration of Guest Houses in Ireland.

Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2016, any tourism business calling itself a guest house must be registered with Fáilte Ireland.

Application Process

In order to become registered as a guest house, your business should have a minimum of seven guest bedrooms with private en suite bathrooms, and no more than 30 guest bedrooms also with private bathrooms. Breakfast should be provided.

Fáilte Ireland's Quality Standards for Guesthouses

Applications made under Section 26 of the Acts, for registration of any premises in Fáilte Ireland’s Register of Guest Houses should be completed using the Initial Registration Application Form provided on Fáilte Ireland’s designated website -  https://tradeportal.failteireland.ie. 

Every application for registration shall be accompanied by the following:

1. The application fee as prescribed by Fáilte Ireland;
2. Where the Business is providing food, written evidence that the Business is registered as a food business operator with the Health Service Executive;
3. Evidence of compliance with Fire Safety requirements: Written evidence that the premises complies with the Fire Acts and the Building Control Acts; or written evidence from the Fire Authority for the area where the Business is situated that the said Fire Authority have no objection to the registration of the premises on the appropriate register of prescribed accommodation or written certification from the applicant’s architect/engineer that the premises substantially complies with all relevant Fire Acts and Building Control Acts; or Copy of Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Certificate to be provided (if applicable).
4. Certificate(s) of Compliance with Planning Permission and Certificate(s) of Compliance with Building Regulations or evidence that the statutory Certificate of Completion has been registered in the appropriate register or such other evidence or certificates as may be required from time to time under the Building Control Acts, as appropriate to the Accommodation and/or the Business.

Further Information

Fáilte Ireland - Guest Houses

Health & Safety guide for catering and hospitality

Starting a food service business

Contact Details

Email: customersupport@failteireland.ie 

Telephone: 1800 242473

_{The above is for general information purposes only. Queries regarding this information should be directed to Fáilte Ireland.}