Homestays in Ireland: Homestay and Hosting Opportunities

With its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscape, and friendly locals, Ireland calls to travelers around the world. Whether you’re looking to book a homestay or you are interested in offering a Homestay, Freebird Club’s homestays in Ireland offer a diverse landscape of options.

Freebird Club is a social travel club for travelers over 50 who enjoy connecting with people from other cultures, sharing travel tips, planning meetups, or welcoming other travelers to their home region. Many of our members are also Homestay Hosts, which means that they offer guest rooms or guest spaces to other Freebird Members (for a reasonable nightly rate).

In this blog post, we’ll share a list of a few of our Homestays in Ireland, and also share how those interested in becoming a Homestay Host can join our community as a Freebird Club Homestay Host Member.

For guests seeking an immersive adventure and to connect more meaningfully with locals, staying with a local host offers an authentic local experience.  For Hosts, inviting travelers from around the world into your home, allows the opportunity to share your culture while also learning about other cultures and meeting new people. 

Homestays in Ireland with Freebird Club Homestay Hosts

Fancy a trip to Dublin in the coming months? We have several Freebird Club members that offer Homestays in Dublin. 

Dublin Homestay

Visit Geraldine, whose home in Dublin, Ireland is walking distance to plenty of local restaurants, pubs and shops. 

Geraldines homestay is situated in Lucan village, approximately a 5 minute walk from the city bus- which takes you to the heart of Dublin’s city center. Also within walking distance of Geraldine’s homestay, visitors can find several great restaurant and gastro pub options. Enjoy your stay with an Irish local while benefiting from the convenience of a great location.

Photo by Guilherme Ramos on Unsplash

West Cork Homestay

Voted the best town to live in in Europe in 2017, Clonakilty in West Cork is home to Sinead’s place. Her home features a back garden, panoramic view of the sea, and is just a short hop from the town center. 

Sinead’s Irish homestay, nestled on the South West coast, is conveniently close to beaches, farmers markets, renowned restaurants, and vibrant pubs—all within walking distance. Explore coastal living by staying with Sinead, where visitors can access a plethora of attractions and great experiences. 

Photo by Sophi Raju on Unsplash

New Ross (County Wexford) Homestay

Mary’s Limestone Cottage in New Ross, Ireland sits just beside the oldest working lighthouse in Europe. 

New Ross, Ireland is located in the South East of Ireland. It is home to St. Mary’s Church, a medieval church with a prominent spire visible from many look out points through town. It is home to various events and festivals throughout the year, including the New Ross Piano Festival, which showcases the talent and accomplishments of pianists from Ireland and around the world.

Cork City Homestay

Michelle’s place in Cork City provides a cozy space for two or more guests. As your host, Michelle can offer insights into what’s on in local pubs, theaters or galleries. Interested in exploring more? 

Visit Cork City and stay with Michelle in a secure, family-friendly location just minutes from Europe’s only city-center wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy convenient amenities nearby, including a plethora of dinner options and essential services. With accessible and easy transportation to key destinations, Michelle’s homestay offers the perfect homebase for a cork adventure.

You can view a full list of Freebird Club’s homestays in Ireland here.
**Please note, that in order to book a homestay with our Freebird Club Homestay Host members, you must become a Freebird Club member.

Why Choose To Stay With A Local?

By staying with a local host, travelers can access true insider knowledge and tips on the best places to explore, eat and visit, tailored to their individual interests and tastes. Homestays offer hospitality and local insights that go beyond the typical tourist accommodation, and can offer visitors a more authentic and personalized travel experience. 

Why Become A Homestay Host?

Opening up your home to travelers offers Hosts the opportunity to share their home region and forge meaningful relationships. Hosting also provides the perfect opportunity for socio-cultural exchange, allowing visitors and hosts to share stories, cultures and even culinary delights with one another. 

In addition to the social and cultural benefits of becoming a host, hosting can provide an extra source of income. During busy seasons, such as St. Patrick’s Day, summer holidays, etc. when tourists flock to exciting destinations, offering your guest room to fellow Over-50 travelers can be a great way to make a little bit of extra income while doing something you love. And, for your guests, they will feel good that they are contributing to the local economy.

Highlights of Becoming a Freebird Homestay Host

*Meet people from around the world

*Share your region and culture with guests and learn about theirs

*Bookings only allowed from fully verified members (for added security)

*Accepting Bookings is at the Host’s discretion

*Pay zero commission to Freebird on bookings

How to Become A Freebird Club Homestay Host

Signing up to become a Freebird Club Homestay Host requires hosts to first sign up to become Freebird Club members. The prerequisite to become a Freebird Club member is simply that members be above the age of 50, and be interested in connecting and sharing with other travelers and members around the world. After creating a member profile and being approved, you will be able to add your guest room or homestay space to the Freebird site. 

Freebird Club doesn’t charge hosts anything extra to list their place or receive bookings.This means as a host you receive the full amount based on the nightly rate you charge. 

At Freebird Club, hosting is done on your own terms – Set your own price. Decide when, how and to whom you open your doors. Rest easy, knowing that Freebird Club doesn’t allow anyone but approved, I.D. verified Freebird Members to book Homestays. 

Additionally, our support team is just an email away. Interested in becoming a Freebird Club Member and Homestay Host? Start your member profile here.