Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Cottages in Ireland

Cottages in Ireland is an independently owned specialist tour operator marketing self catering properties within Northern Ireland and Ireland both globally and domestically.  We have local knowledge of the area you want to stay and also the cottage you wish to visit.

Where are the Cottages?

Cottages in Ireland have over 150 cottages throughout Northern Ireland, Donegal, and Waterford.  The cottages vary in style, size and location, meaning that we have something to suit every requirement. 

How do I book? (Payment accepted – different question or linked?)

Cottages in Ireland operate a live booking system, so cottages can be booked 24/7/365 via our website.  Alternatively, our phone lines are open Monday – Friday from 9am to 5:30pm should you wish to book over the telephone (there is no extra charge for bookings made by phone).  Contact us on + 44 (0) 28 9036 0500

When you make a booking, a £75 booking deposit is due, which you should pay by debit card (£1 fee), credit card (3% surcharge), sterling cheque or bank transfer. If the booking is made within eight weeks of the commencement date, full payment is due at time of booking, using any of the above methods (except sterling cheque). 

How do I pay the balance?

You can telephone Cottages in Ireland on + 44 (0) 28 9036 0500 to pay your balance, which is due eight weeks before the commencement date of your booking.  This can be paid by debit card (£1 fee), credit card (3% surcharge) or bank transfer. Although we are currently unable to offer the facility to pay a balance online, this is something we will shortly be introducing to allow greater flexibility for our customers. 

When will I receive confirmation of my booking?

When booking online, you should receive instant email confirmation at time of booking.  Further documentation will be sent to you by email, usually within 48 hours.  Where there is no email address available, we will post documentation to you.  We will send joining instructions (which includes directions and the host’s contact details) by email or post upon receipt of the balance payment. 

When will I receive directions to the cottage? (How do I get keys/procedure for gaining access to the cottage?)

Full joining instructions (which include directions to the cottage and the host’s contact details) will be sent to you upon receipt of the balance payment.  It is essential that you contact the host at the very least 24 hours before arrival at the cottage so they can make arrangements for your arrival at the cottage. 

When can I arrive?

The usual arrival time at the cottages is 4 pm on your scheduled arrival day.  It is important that you contact the host of the cottage a minimum of 24 hours before you arrive in order to facilitate your arrival.  Failure to do so may result in you being unable to gain access to the property. 

Can I arrive early?

All arrival times should be arranged a minimum of 24 hours before arrival with the cottage host.  Whilst it may be possible for you to arrive at the property before 4 pm, it is solely at the host’s discretion to allow you to do so. 

When do I have to leave on day of departure?

The usual departure time from the cottage would be 11 am.  This is to allow the host opportunity to prepare the cottage for the next arrivals.  It is solely at the host’s discretion to allow you to stay any later than 11 am, and any request to do so should be arranged locally with them.  There are some exceptions when time of departure is 10am.  Check Joining Instructions for your specific cottage to confirm this.

What facilities are in the Cottage?

Unless otherwise stated, all properties contain: oven and hob, fridge/fridge-freezer, ironing facilities, and provide linen and towels.  The majority of cottages would also include heating and electricity as part of the cost, however there is an extra cost for various facilities in some cottages.  Full information on facilities in each cottage are available on our website www.cottagesinireland.com

Are there any additional fees to pay upon arrival?

In some properties, there may be an additional fee payable locally for electricity, heating or towels etc.  Many properties would also ask for a refundable security deposit to be paid on arrival.  If you are staying in a property where this is the case, you will be made aware at time of booking or in the cottage joining instructions. 

Can I bring a pet to the cottage?

Pets are only allowed at properties where stated within our brochure or on our website, or where agreed at time of booking with Cottages in Ireland staff.  Please note, normally only one pet is allowable into a cottage.  If you intend to bring a pet, you must inform Cottages in Ireland at time of booking.  If you take a pet to a property that does not allow them, or exceed the agreed number of pets, the Cottage Host reserves the right to terminate the rental without notice.  Full information about bringing a pet to a cottage is available in our booking conditions (figure 6).  To read these click here. 

Is it possible to exceed the stated number the cottage sleeps?

The number that the cottage sleeps is based on the number of beds in the cottage. Due to insurance restrictions, it is unlikely that you will be able to exceed this stated number.  In certain cases, it may be possible to provide an occasional bed for higher occupancy; however this must be arranged with Cottages in Ireland prior to booking.  The decision to allow higher occupancy is solely at the discretion of the Cottage Host.  If at any point you exceed the maximum number of occupants in the cottage without prior consent, the Cottage Host reserves the right to terminate the rental immediately without any liability to either themselves or Cottages in Ireland. 

I am trying to book a cottage for next year but the website won’t let me – what does this mean?

If a booking calendar is showing the next year, the cottage should be available to book.  However in certain circumstances, this may not be the case, as availability or prices may not be confirmed.  Where this is the case, Cottages in Ireland will strive to make the cottage available as soon as possible in order to give you the best possible choice with your holiday booking.  Contact us immediately if you are experiencing difficulty with making a reservation. Telephone number + 44 (0) 28 9036 0500

What day would a booking commence?

In high season, bookings would generally run for periods of one week from Saturday to Saturday.  It may be possible to book outside these dates in high season, but this should be clarified with Cottages in Ireland staff before booking.  In mid and low season, there is greater flexibility with bookings, so weeks need not necessarily begin on a Saturday.  

Do I have to clean the cottage before departure?

The Cottage should be left in a clean and tidy condition in a similar state as it was found before vacating.  If the cottage is not clean or property is damaged, the host will require payment for any additional costs incurred as a result. 

Is the cottage suitable for a wheelchair user/person with limited mobility?

Cottages that are suitable for wheelchair users will be indicated by the appropriate symbol in the Cottages in Ireland brochure, or listed on the web site.  If you are unsure about the suitability of a property for your requirements, please contact us so that we can advise you. 

What should I do if I am not entirely satisfied with my cottage?

Cottages in Ireland work hard with the Cottage Host to ensure that every stay in any of our cottages is entirely to your satisfaction.  In the unlikely event that this is not the case, please contact the Cottage Host and Cottages in Ireland as soon as possible.  This will allow us to take steps to resolve your problem as soon as possible.  If you do not feel the problem has been resolved to your satisfaction, you should put your complaint in writing to Cottages in Ireland within 14 days of the end of your stay.  It is important that you follow this complaints procedure, as your right to compensation may be affected or lost if you do not. 

I have tried to book but the following message appears on my screen: “We are sorry to inform you that your bank has declined to accept the credit card transaction and we cannot proceed with the reservation.”  What does this mean?

There are a number of reasons why this message could be displayed on your screen.  If you surname has an apostrophe in it, this message will appear (This is due to an issue with our booking system which will be resolved soon).  If this is the case, simply re-enter the booking without the apostrophe and it should work. If this is not the case, we advise that you contact your bank or credit card provider for more information. 

Fraud Review

Due to the stringent nature of security for online payments, there may be times when a transaction is placed into Fraud Review.  This may happen if you enter any address details wrong in the booking form, or if the card you are using is registered to a different billing address.  If this does happen, Cottages in Ireland will contact you as soon as possible to inform you of the status of your transaction.  If you have any queries at any point, please do not hesitate to contact us.