Tourist tax and guest registration in Ireland A complete guide

This page gives you a clear, up-to-date overview of tourist tax in Ireland, so you always know what to charge and how to stay compliant.

Is there a tax on tourism in Ireland?

Ireland does not currently have a tourist tax, making it an exception among many European countries. While visitors are free from additional lodging taxes, it’s important to stay informed about potential future changes, as discussions around introducing a tourist tax could arise. For now, Ireland remains a tax-free destination for tourists, ensuring a simpler experience for both travelers and accommodation providers.

For hosts

Guest registration in Ireland

Currently, there are no specific legal obligations in Ireland that require accommodation providers, such as hotels, to register the personal details of their guests. Unlike other European countries that enforce strict guest registration rules, Ireland does not have a formal system in place for recording guest information. However, individual hotels and accommodations may still request personal details for operational purposes, such as ensuring booking accuracy or complying with general business practices.

How Trippz can help you?

Short-Term rental registration requirements in Ireland

Following new legislation from 2022, all properties used for short-term rentals in Ireland must now be registered with Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland. This applies to properties rented for up to 21 nights and includes listings on online platforms.      Accommodation providers must obtain a valid registration number to comply, or face penalties, including fines of up to €5,000. This new regulation ensures transparency and helps balance the demand for both short-term tourist accommodation and long-term housing, aligning with the Housing for All strategy. 

VAT Rates for holiday accommodations in Ireland

All guest and holiday accommodations in Ireland are subject to the reduced VAT rate, no matter how long the stay. From 1 November 2020 to 31 August 2023, this rate was temporarily lowered further, applying the second reduced rate for that period. Staying on top of these VAT changes ensures you're charging the correct rate for your guests.

Constant monitoring of developments in Ireland

While there is currently no tourist tax in Ireland, we are closely following any developments that might lead to changes in the future. As similar taxes have been introduced in other European countries, we stay updated on any potential discussions or regulations that could impact both travelers and accommodation providers.

Frequently asked questions from hosts

• Do I need to register my short-term rental property with Fáilte Ireland?

  Yes, as of 2022, all properties used for short-term rentals must be registered with Fáilte Ireland, whether rented independently or via online platforms. Properties rented for up to 21 nights require a valid registration number to avoid penalties.

• What are the consequences if I don’t register my property for short-term rentals?

  Hosts who do not register their properties face penalties, including fines of up to €5,000. This regulation ensures transparency in the short-term rental market and helps balance the demand for tourist accommodations with Ireland’s Housing for All strategy.

• Is there a tourist tax in Ireland that I need to collect from my guests?

  No, Ireland does not currently impose a tourist tax, which means there is no need for hosts to collect additional lodging taxes from guests. However, we keep track of any developments, so you’re always informed about any potential changes.

• Are there VAT obligations for short-term rental stays?

  Yes, holiday accommodations are subject to a reduced VAT rate. While this rate was temporarily further reduced until 31 August 2023, it’s essential to stay updated on VAT changes to ensure compliance with the current rate.

• Does Ireland require me to collect guest details for registration?

  Unlike some European countries, Ireland does not mandate guest registration for hosts. However, some hosts may choose to collect guest information for operational accuracy, and Trippz can help streamline this if desired.

Trippz: the authority on tourist tax

Tourist tax is set locally and rates change without warning. Trippz tracks every change and keeps the data current, which is why travel platforms and property software, including Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia, rely on Trippz to calculate tourist tax and register guests in every market they serve.

How Trippz stays current

Trippz checks tax rules jurisdiction by jurisdiction against official municipal and national sources. When a rate or rule changes, the update happens automatically rather than on a periodic review cycle. This is the same monitoring that travel platforms and software vendors depend on to stay accurate everywhere they operate.

One tax engine, every market

Send a location, get the applicable rate, instantly and correctly calculated. Travel platforms and property software embed this calculation directly into their own product, so every booking is taxed correctly without building or maintaining a rate engine in house. It is the same logic behind every rate on this page.

Explore Trippz for Platforms

Frequently asked questions about Trippz

• How can platforms and software vendors use Trippz?

  Trippz provides tourist tax content and a ready made calculation engine through one API. Platforms and software vendors add accurate tax calculation to their product without maintaining a rate database in house. Guest registration and authority connections are available as a separate capability for those who need it.

• How does Trippz keep tourist tax rates current?

  Trippz checks the jurisdictions it covers against official sources and updates rates automatically when a city or country changes them.

  
  

• Which countries and cities does Trippz cover?

  Trippz maintains tourist tax data across a wide range of countries and cities. See the full overview in our tourist tax guides.

• Is Trippz's data and infrastructure secure?

  Yes. Trippz is SOC1 Type 2 and SOC2 Type 2 certified and GDPR compliant, so platforms and software vendors can embed tourist tax calculation without adding security or compliance risk of their own.

• Who uses Trippz for tourist tax?

  Trippz provides tourist tax data and calculation to travel platforms and property software across Europe, including Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia. The same infrastructure that powers stays booked through the biggest platforms in travel is available to any platform or software vendor through the API.

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