How to Apply

Our 4 Step Application Process

1Step 1 - Minimum requirements Back to top

All bed & breakfast properties must attain the minimum entry level requirements in order to be approved by Fáilte Ireland. To obtain a higher star rating, a progressively higher quality and range of services and physical facilities must be provided across all areas.

Review the supporting documentation listed below to familiarise yourself with the classifcation process and prepare for your assessment visit.

2Step 2 - Application Back to top

Fáilte Ireland sub-contracts Irish Home B&B assessment functions to Tourism Standards Assessment Ltd (TSA), who are responsible for inspecting and recommending approval for properties under the scheme.

If you wish to register your interest in joining the B&B Classification and Categorisation Scheme, please contact TSA directly.

3Step 3 - Assessment Back to top

TSA will make contact to arrange an onsite assessment. An assessor will visit your establishment to check that the facility and services are present and compliant with our minimum standards for the appropriate star rating.

The assessment is divided up into “quality areas” that represent aspects of the business that contribute to the quality of the guest experience. Each quality area contains a series of minimum requirements.

The Quality Assessor (QA) will carry out an objective, qualitative assessment of every aspect of your business, from the condition of the building itself, the furniture, furnishings etc to the services offered to the guests. Essentially, a numerical score is given to every aspect assessed and that score equates to a quality level description.

As part of the assessment visit, you have the option to apply for up to three Welcome Schemes under the Categorisation Scheme.

The annual fee for assessments is €200 (excl. VAT). This fee includes the assessment visit, a new sign and logo, your own webpage on DiscoverIreland.ie and DiscoverIreland.com, B&B marketing and promotion campaigns and access to a range of operator and business training supports.

Assessments will take place bi-annually.

4Step 4 - Approval Back to top

Upon approval, we will issue a new quality assurance sign appropriate to your classification level and the relevant Welcome Scheme window displays.

Quality assurance certificates are valid for an initial 1-year period and must be renewed annually.

Throughout the year, Fáilte Ireland will work with classified B&Bs to support the fulfilment of conditions or areas for improvement in relation to their classification.

Quality-approved signs are part of our awareness campaigns to help promote quality assurance awards and include:

• Exterior signs and plaques
• Window stickers
• Bromides / .jpeg format images for use on web and printed promotional material

We encourage Irish Home B&B owners to keep up to date on the latest developments; subscribe to one of our ezines on business, training, and more.
We also endeavour to assist quality-approved businesses to maintain and exceed the required standards through a range of business advice and support programmes customised for and only available to tourism enterprises registered with Fáilte Ireland.

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