Frequently Asked Questions

About EcoStay Ireland

What is EcoStay Ireland?

EcoStay Ireland is a discovery and booking platform for genuinely certified eco-friendly accommodation across Ireland. Every property listed holds a current certification from a named, recognised third-party body: Ecotourism Ireland, Green Key, Green Hospitality, or GSTC. We verify certifications independently, explain what they mean in plain language, and make it easy to book. No greenwashing. No guessing.

How do I know the properties are genuinely eco-friendly?

Every listing has been independently verified against a named certification standard. We display the certification body, the year it was awarded, and what it assessed on every property page. Properties are reviewed annually for certification renewal. If a certification lapses, the listing comes off the platform.

We also publish a plain-language certification guide so you can see exactly what each standard requires, not just what a property claims about itself.

Do properties pay to be listed?

No. Properties are listed on the basis of their certification, not their marketing budget. We don’t accept payment for placement or listing priority. If a property holds a current certification from a recognised body and meets our listing standards, it’s eligible. If it doesn’t, it isn’t. Our editorial policy is published and transparent.

How is EcoStay Ireland different from Booking.com or Ecobnb?

Booking.com’s “sustainable” filter is based on self-reported data from properties themselves. There’s no independent verification and no explanation of what the badge means. Ecobnb is a global platform with very thin coverage of Ireland and no local editorial depth. Neither platform tells you which certification body certified a property, when, or what was assessed.

EcoStay Ireland is built specifically for Ireland. Every listing is verified against a named certification body. We explain what each certification requires. And we know the Irish eco accommodation landscape in a way a global platform simply can’t.

Certifications and Standards

What certifications do you recognise?

EcoStay Ireland currently lists properties certified by Ecotourism Ireland (including Ecotourism Ireland Gold and the Burren Ecotourism Network), Green Key (administered in Ireland by An Taisce), the Green Hospitality Programme, and GSTC-recognised standards. Our certification guide explains what each standard tests and how they differ from each other.

What does Ecotourism Ireland certification mean?

Ecotourism Ireland certification means a property has been independently assessed against environmental, social, and business sustainability criteria. Gold certification is the highest level and requires demonstrable performance across areas including energy use, water management, biodiversity, waste reduction, and community engagement. It’s renewed periodically and requires ongoing compliance, not a one-off assessment. See our full guide to Ecotourism Ireland certification for the complete criteria.

What’s the difference between Green Key and Ecotourism Ireland?

Both are recognised third-party standards, but they assess different things with different emphases. Green Key is an international environmental standard administered in Ireland by An Taisce, focused on operational environmental management: energy, water, waste, chemicals, and indoor climate. Ecotourism Ireland places stronger emphasis on the ecological and community context of the property, particularly its relationship with its natural setting and its contribution to local conservation and communities. Our certification guide breaks down both in full.

What does it mean if a property is “self-declared” eco-friendly?

It means they’ve said so themselves, without independent verification. Any property can add “eco” to their name, write a sustainability page, or place recycling bins in bedrooms. None of that constitutes certification. EcoStay Ireland doesn’t list self-declared properties. If a property can’t show a current certificate from a recognised body, it doesn’t appear here.

Is glamping automatically eco-friendly?

Not automatically. Being outdoors or off-grid doesn’t make a glamping operation eco-certified. Some glamping businesses hold full Ecotourism Ireland or Green Key certification and operate with solar energy, composting toilets, organic food sourcing, and habitat management. Others don’t. EcoStay Ireland only lists the ones that do. Browse our certified eco glamping listings to see what’s available.

Booking

How do I book a stay through EcoStay Ireland?

Each property page includes a booking link, either through Booking.com (where the property is listed there) or directly with the property. Where we link to Booking.com, you get the same booking protection and payment security as any Booking.com reservation. Where we link directly to a property, we note this clearly on the listing page.

Will an eco stay cost more than a regular hotel?

Certified eco stays span the full range of price points, from glamping options at under €100 per night to premium lodge and hotel experiences at €300 or more. Some of Ireland’s most beautifully designed places to stay happen to be eco-certified. Sustainability doesn’t mean basic.

You can filter by price on EcoStay Ireland to find certified stays within your budget. The certification guide can also help you understand what you’re actually paying for when a property has invested in meeting a recognised standard.

Are eco stays available across all of Ireland?

Yes, though coverage varies by county. Certified eco accommodation is most concentrated in Clare, Galway, Donegal, Kerry, and Wicklow, partly because these counties have the strongest natural assets and the most established ecotourism networks. We’re actively building out listings in every county. Use the region search to see what’s currently available near where you’re travelling.

For Properties

How do I get my property listed on EcoStay Ireland?

If your property holds a current certification from Ecotourism Ireland, Green Key, Green Hospitality, or GSTC, visit our contact page and get in touch. We’ll ask for your certification documentation as part of the process. There’s no listing fee. Properties are accepted on the basis of their certification.

My property isn’t certified yet. Can I still apply?

Not yet. Our listing standard requires a current, named third-party certification. But if you’re planning to pursue certification, we’d encourage it. The Ecotourism Ireland and Green Hospitality programmes both have clear assessment pathways. Our certification guide outlines the process for each. Once you hold a current certification, come back to us.

Can I pay for a higher-ranking listing?

No. Payment doesn’t influence listing position or eligibility on EcoStay Ireland. Listings are ordered by region and certification level, not by marketing spend.

Still have a question? Get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.