Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ireland Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Ireland Property Pack
If you're thinking about running an Airbnb in Ireland, you're probably wondering whether it's profitable and what rules apply.
Ireland has become one of Europe's most tightly regulated short-term rental markets, with planning permissions, registration requirements, and strict enforcement in Dublin.
This guide breaks down the real numbers, legal requirements, and market dynamics for Airbnb hosts in Ireland as of early 2026, and we update it regularly.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
Insights
- The typical Airbnb in Ireland earns around €3,200 monthly gross revenue, but expenses consume 30% to 50%, leaving most hosts with €1,300 to €2,200 net profit.
- Ireland's 90-day annual cap means hosts exceeding this must apply for planning permission, which is rarely granted in Dublin's city centre.
- A national Short-Term Letting Register launches May 2026, requiring all hosts to display registration numbers on listings.
- Dublin's Temple Bar and City Centre have seen enforcement actions against illegal Airbnbs, including fines and lockbox removals.
- Occupancy rates average around 60%, but top hosts achieve 65% to 75% through better pricing and faster response times.
- The €120 to €200 per night range is most crowded, while family-ready 3-bedroom homes outside city centres represent a market gap.
- Galway and Cork show higher nightly rates than Limerick, with Galway reaching around €230 during summer festival season.
- Secondary homes face stricter rules than primary residences, and planning permission for dedicated short-term lets is difficult in high-demand areas.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Ireland in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is allowed in Ireland but heavily regulated through planning rules that determine whether you need permission or qualify for an exemption.
The main legal framework comes from the Planning and Development Act, specifically the 2019 regulations (S.I. No. 235/2019), which introduced restrictions in areas of housing pressure.
The most important condition is understanding whether your property qualifies as exempt home-sharing or requires planning permission as a material change of use.
Operating illegally can result in enforcement action including fines, and Dublin City Council has actively pursued non-compliant hosts.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Ireland.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Ireland.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Ireland as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there is no universal minimum-stay rule, but a 90-day annual cap applies when you rent out your entire principal residence for short stays.
Rules differ based on property type: home-sharing while living there faces fewer restrictions, while secondary homes typically require planning permission regardless of rental nights.
Hosts should keep records of rental activity, and the May 2026 national register will formalize tracking requirements.
Exceeding the 90-day cap without permission risks enforcement action including cease orders and fines.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Ireland right now?
You don't have to live in a property to rent it on Airbnb, but rules become much stricter when it's not your principal residence.
Secondary home owners can legally operate short-term rentals but should expect to need planning permission, especially in Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
Non-primary residence rentals typically require change of use permission, and approvals are difficult where housing supply is tight.
The key difference: renting a room in your home or letting your principal residence up to 90 days yearly can be exempt, while secondary homes generally require formal approval.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Ireland right now?
No national rule limits hosts to one listing, so running multiple Airbnbs is possible if each property meets planning requirements.
There's no maximum number of properties one person can list, but each must independently comply with planning rules, making multi-property operations complex in regulated areas.
The May 2026 register will require registration numbers for each unit on listings, making multi-unit operators more visible to authorities.
Ireland's focus on protecting housing supply means operators with multiple dedicated short-term lets face closer scrutiny than occasional home-sharers.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Ireland as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Ireland has no universal STR license, but hosts must have planning permission or qualify for exemption, and a national registration system launches May 2026.
The new register will require hosts to confirm planning compliance and obtain a registration number displayed on all listings.
Hosts will need property details, proof of planning compliance, and basic identification, though full requirements will be confirmed when the register opens.
Registration is expected to be free or low-cost, but budget for planning application fees if needed, which can run several hundred euros.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Ireland as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Ireland has no outright neighborhood bans, but planning policy and enforcement make certain areas very difficult for dedicated short-term lets.
In Dublin, Temple Bar, City Centre around Dublin Castle, Docklands, and Smithfield have seen strictest scrutiny, including cases where lockboxes were removed from public spaces.
These zones face tight restrictions because they're in the heart of Dublin's housing crisis, where STR conversions reduce long-term housing supply.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Ireland compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Ireland in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb in Ireland is around €180 ($195 USD), while the median sits closer to €150 ($160 USD).
The typical price range covering 80% of listings falls between €100 and €280 ($110 to $300 USD), varying by location, size, and seasonality.
Location has the biggest impact on pricing, specifically whether the property is in Dublin City Centre, Galway's Latin Quarter, or along the Wild Atlantic Way.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices vary 25% to 60% by neighborhood, with Dublin's Temple Bar and Docklands at €220 to €280 ($240 to $300 USD), while Drumcondra or Rathmines sit at €140 to €170 ($150 to $185 USD).
The three highest-priced neighborhoods are Dublin City Centre near Trinity at €250 ($270 USD), Galway's Latin Quarter at €230 ($250 USD), and Dublin Docklands at €220 ($240 USD).
Lower-priced areas include Limerick City Centre at €120 ($130 USD), Cork suburbs at €130 ($140 USD), and Dublin's Tallaght at €110 ($120 USD), though these still attract budget visitors.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical occupancy for Airbnb listings in Ireland is around 60%, meaning roughly 18 booked nights monthly.
The realistic range covering most listings falls between 50% and 70%, varying by location, pricing, and property quality.
Ireland's average occupancy aligns with other Western European markets, though Dublin outperforms rural areas due to year-round demand.
The biggest factor for above-average occupancy is competitive pricing combined with fast response times and consistent positive reviews.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, average monthly revenue per Airbnb in Ireland is approximately €3,200 ($3,450 USD), based on 60% occupancy and €180 nightly rate.
The realistic range covering 80% of listings falls between €1,800 and €5,500 ($1,950 to $5,950 USD), depending on location and season.
Top listings in Dublin or premium Wild Atlantic Way cottages can achieve €6,000 to €8,000 ($6,500 to $8,650 USD) monthly during high season, calculated as 25 nights at €280.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Ireland.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly revenue ranges from €1,600 to €2,400 ($1,730 to $2,600 USD) in low season, compared to €4,200 to €6,500 ($4,550 to $7,000 USD) in high season.
Low season runs November through February when tourism drops outside Christmas, while high season spans June through August with summer travel and festivals.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly expenses are €900 to €1,700 ($970 to $1,840 USD) for apartments, rising to €1,300 to €2,400 ($1,400 to $2,600 USD) for larger homes with higher heating costs.
Cleaning and turnover represent the largest expense, often €400 to €800 ($430 to $865 USD) monthly depending on frequency and property size.
Hosts should expect 30% to 50% of gross revenue going to operating expenses including utilities, cleaning, supplies, insurance, and platform fees.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Ireland.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit ranges from €1,300 to €2,200 ($1,400 to $2,400 USD), translating to €45 to €75 ($50 to $80 USD) profit per available night.
The range spans €300 during slow winter months to €4,500 during peak summer, varying by location and efficiency.
Hosts typically achieve 35% to 55% net profit margins after operating expenses but before tax and mortgage payments.
Break-even occupancy sits around 30% to 40%, meaning hosts need 9 to 12 booked nights monthly just to cover costs.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Ireland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Ireland as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Ireland as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Ireland has an estimated 35,000 to 50,000 active short-term rental listings, with Dublin accounting for several thousand.
This number has remained stable, though the May 2026 register will bring clarity and may reduce non-compliant listings as enforcement tightens.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Ireland as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods are Dublin's Temple Bar, City Centre, Docklands, and Smithfield, plus Galway's Latin Quarter and Salthill, and Cork's City Centre near UCC.
These became saturated because they combine walkability to attractions with year-round demand from tourists, business travelers, and event attendees.
Undersaturated areas with better opportunities include Dublin's Rathmines, Drumcondra, and Ranelagh, plus Wild Atlantic Way towns and commuter belts where regulations may be easier.
What local events spike demand in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, main demand spikes come from St. Patrick's Day in March, Dublin concerts at Aviva Stadium and Croke Park, Galway Arts Festival in July, and Cork Jazz Festival in October.
During peak events, bookings increase 30% to 60% and rates rise 40% to 80%, with biggest spikes near venues.
Hosts should adjust pricing 4 to 8 weeks ahead, and experienced hosts block event weekends months in advance.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top hosts achieve 65% to 75% occupancy, 8 to 15 percentage points above the market average.
Average hosts see 55% to 62%, meaning the gap represents roughly 3 to 5 extra booked nights monthly.
New hosts typically take 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer levels as they accumulate reviews and optimize pricing.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Ireland.
What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Ireland right now?
Nearly all competitive listings offer fast Wi-Fi, self check-in, controllable heating, quality linens, and kitchen basics including kettle and tea supplies.
Note that Dublin City Council has acted against lockboxes in public spaces, so self check-in must be implemented on your property.
Standout listings add Netflix, local welcome treats, detailed guides, and quality toiletries.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Ireland right now?
The €120 to €200 ($130 to $215 USD) range has the highest listing concentration, with many generic apartments competing.
White space exists above €250 ($270 USD) for premium family homes with 3+ bedrooms, and €200 to €300 ($215 to $325 USD) for unique properties with standout features.
New hosts can compete by offering family-friendly properties outside regulated centres, work-friendly setups in commuter towns, or winter-proof cottages in scenic areas.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Ireland right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Ireland as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, 1 to 2 bedroom properties get the most bookings, matching couples, solo visitors, and short-break travelers.
Booking breakdown: studios 10%, 1-bedroom 35%, 2-bedroom 35%, and 3+ bedroom 20%.
This count performs best because Ireland's tourism centers on short city breaks where smaller properties are easier to maintain and price competitively.
What property type performs best in Ireland in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, best performers are well-located city apartments for year-round occupancy, rural cottages for seasonal bursts, and terraced houses near city centres balancing space with accessibility.
Occupancy by type: city apartments 60% to 68%, suburban houses 55% to 62%, rural cottages 45% to 60%, unique stays 50% to 65%.
Apartments excel in cities for short-break demand, while cottages thrive in Kerry, Clare, and Galway offering authentic Irish experiences.
What location traits boost bookings in Ireland right now?
Booking boosters include walkability to pubs and historic centres, proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way or national parks, transport access, and properties that feel cozy in rainy weather.
In Dublin, strongest locations are City Centre near Trinity, Docklands for business travelers, and Rathmines for value with transport links.
Outside Dublin: Galway's Latin Quarter and Salthill, Cork City Centre near UCC, and Wild Atlantic Way coastal towns attract summer road trippers.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Ireland, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens Information | Ireland's official public service information site explaining current rules in plain English. | We summarized planning rules including the 90-day cap and exemptions. We cross-checked against legal text and Dublin City Council guidance. |
| Department of Enterprise | Central government page explaining how Ireland regulates short-term letting. | We confirmed official definitions and register timeline. We validated with the Bill's scheme and Fáilte Ireland. |
| Dublin City Council | Primary source for how Ireland's biggest STR market enforces rules daily. | We grounded enforcement practices including notifications and permissions. We used it as strict enforcement template. |
| Irish Statute Book (S.I. No. 235/2019) | Official publication of Irish law, definitive source for exact rules. | We verified what 2019 regulations changed and principal residence definitions. We avoided relying on secondary summaries. |
| Local Authority Guidance | Official guidance used by councils to interpret 2019 rules. | We understood council interpretation of material change of use. We confirmed permissions guidance matches enforcement intent. |
| Fáilte Ireland STLR | National tourism authority and designated register operator. | We confirmed register requirements for May 2026. We separated current rules from incoming compliance. |
| Gov.ie Rebalancing STL | Official government explainer summarizing the new compliance system. | We confirmed register compliance steps. We framed regulatory risk changes for investors. |
| Gov.ie STLT Bill Press Release | Government's own announcement of policy and implementation date. | We anchored May 2026 date and enforcement approach. We cross-checked with Bill scheme and Fáilte Ireland. |
| General Scheme STLT Bill 2025 | Official draft framework describing how the register will work. | We described changes including registration and enforcement powers. We explained timeline risk verifiably. |
| RTB News on RPZ | Ireland's housing rental regulator covering RPZ rules. | We confirmed nationwide RPZ extension relevant to STR rules. We explained long-term rental alternatives. |
| Central Bank Interest Rates | Official source for Irish mortgage rate statistics. | We grounded financing assumptions. We sanity-checked returns against debt costs. |
| CSO Property Price Index | Ireland's official statistics agency with definitive house price data. | We described purchase price backdrop. We kept profitability discussion realistic. |
| CSO Consumer Price Index | Official inflation measure for cost sanity checks. | We inflation-adjusted costs. We prevented underestimating 2026 operating expenses. |
| CSO Inbound Tourism | Gold standard for visitor volumes, nights, and spending. | We anchored demand seasonality. We avoided platform-only demand narratives. |
| AirDNA Dublin | Widely used STR data provider with transparent ADR, occupancy, revenue metrics. | We estimated pricing and occupancy in Ireland's largest market. We triangulated with tourism indicators. |
| AirDNA Cork | Consistent methodology enabling city comparison. | We captured regional city performance. We built national estimates beyond Dublin. |
| AirDNA Galway | Major leisure market with quantified city metrics. | We represented high-season dynamics and festival demand. We estimated national seasonality. |
| AirDNA Limerick | Represents smaller city demand patterns. | We prevented overestimating from hotspots only. We used as lower-bound comparator. |
| Inside Airbnb | Recognized independent project with downloadable datasets. | We cross-checked listing counts. We validated order of magnitude. |
| Tourism Ireland SOAR | Agency marketing Ireland overseas. | We understood seasonality and campaigns. We validated revenue estimates. |
| Fáilte Ireland Performance | Authoritative research on tourism trends. | We understood visitor patterns. We validated location analysis. |
| The Guardian | Reputable news documenting Dublin enforcement. | We validated lockbox enforcement. We grounded compliance advice in reported events. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Ireland. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.