Housing

Short term housing: What is Short Term Letting (STL)?

Short term letting in Ireland refers to renting accommodation for stays of up to 21 nights. This can include a variety of options such as a room in someone’s home where the host lives, an entire house or apartment where the host is not present, or multiple units within holiday parks or apartment complexes. Short term lets are popular among tourists, business travellers, students, and anyone needing flexible, temporary accommodation during their visit.

Finding Short-Term Accommodation in Ireland

If you’re travelling to Ireland and need short-term accommodation, there are many options available across the country. Popular platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Daft.ie, Rent.ie, and Let.ie list a wide range of short-term rentals, from cosy city apartments to countryside cottages. You can find everything from single rooms to entire homes, often fully furnished and equipped for comfortable stays lasting from a few nights to several weeks.

For example, in Dublin and other cities, serviced apartments and holiday lets offer flexible stays with hotel-like amenities, including kitchens, Wi-Fi, and parking. Outside urban areas, charming cottages, lodges, and guesthouses provide unique and scenic options for visitors seeking a more tranquil experience.

The Short Term Letting Register and What It Means for Visitors

Ireland is introducing a national Short Term Letting (STL) Register managed by Fáilte Ireland, which will require all hosts to register their properties annually. Each registered property will have a unique STL registration number that must be displayed on all booking platforms and advertisements.

For travellers, this means greater confidence that the short-term accommodation you book complies with Irish regulations and standards. Online platforms like Airbnb will only list properties that have a valid registration number, helping to reduce scams and ensure quality and safety.

The register is expected to come into effect on May 20, 2025, and will provide a public directory of registered short-term lets across Ireland.

Planning Permission and What It Means for Guests

Some short-term rental properties in Ireland require planning permission, especially in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), which are areas with high rental demand and limited housing supply, including Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Hosts must comply with these rules to legally rent out their properties for short stays.

As a visitor, this means that many short-term lets in popular urban areas are regulated to protect the housing market and ensure fair availability. If you book through reputable platforms, your accommodation will meet these legal requirements. However, it’s wise to check that your booking includes the STL registration number, which indicates compliance.

Other Temporary Housing Options for Visitors

Student Temporary Housing

If you are a student coming to Ireland for a semester or short course, temporary housing options include short-term lets, student residences, hostels, and homestays. Dublin, in particular, has high demand for student accommodation, so it’s recommended to start your search early and consider a budget that covers several weeks of temporary housing before securing a long-term place.

Serviced Apartments and Corporate Housing

For business travellers or those staying for several weeks or months, serviced apartments provide a comfortable, flexible alternative to hotels. These apartments come fully furnished with kitchens, laundry facilities, and internet access, allowing for a more independent stay. Providers like City Break Apartments in Dublin specialise in this type of accommodation, catering to both leisure and corporate clients.

Emergency and Supported Accommodation

While not typically relevant for tourists, Ireland also offers emergency and supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness or requiring transitional housing. This includes hostels, family hubs, and long-term supported housing for those with specific needs.

Tips for Booking Short-Term Accommodation in Ireland

  • Book Early: Especially in peak tourist seasons or during major events, short-term accommodation can fill up quickly.
  • Check Registration: Look for the STL registration number on listings to ensure the property is legally registered.
  • Use Trusted Platforms: Booking through well-known websites reduces the risk of scams.
  • Understand Costs: Short-term lets can be more expensive than long-term rentals, especially for weekly or nightly bookings. Budget accordingly.
  • Communicate Clearly: Confirm check-in/out times, amenities, and cancellation policies with hosts before booking.
  • Read Reviews: Previous guest feedback can provide valuable insights into the quality and reliability of the accommodation.

Summary

Whether you’re visiting Ireland for tourism, study, work, or family reasons, short-term accommodation options are diverse and plentiful. From city centre apartments to rural cottages, Ireland offers a range of temporary housing to suit different needs and budgets. The new Short Term Letting Register will help ensure that the properties you book meet legal standards, giving you peace of mind during your stay.

For more information and to explore available short-term lets, visit trusted booking platforms or the official Fáilte Ireland website once the Short Term Letting Register is live.