About Irish Self-Catering Federation. - Irish Self Catering Federation (ISCF)

The ISCF is the sole representative and lobbying body for owners of self-catering properties in Ireland recognised as such by consultative bodies, local & central government and every leading tourism group.

Our aim is to promote and defend the interests of Self-Catering property owners giving voice to issues affecting our sector.

Self-Catering in Ireand – rural holiday home.

The Irish Self Catering Federation represents members who market 5,000 holiday homes in Ireland and who employ 7,000 people both on a full time and seasonal basis throughout Ireland in the tourism sector.

The Irish Self Catering Federation registered office is based in Durrus, Bantry, Co Cork. The ISCF has an Executive Council representing both group and individual members in the different regions. The Officers are elected by the Executive Council and hold office for a period of three years. Our membership is diverse, and we welcome all self- catering operators, irrespective of the number of properties that they have.

The current Chairperson 2021/2023 is Máire ní Mhurchú, owner of a single self-catering property in West Cork -DunmanusCottage.ie. Máire has been a member of the ISCF since 2005 and on the board since 2017. She also runs an activity business ActivityDays.ie She brings her wide experience of the Tourism Industry to the Board. Máire is committed to development of the Federation with the development of the Third PArty Quality Assurance Framework and links to international markets for members.

The ISCF Company Treasurer is Eamon Ryan, Owner of AdareCottages.ie .

The Executive Council meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting and Conference. Sub-committees have been developed which deal with different aspects of the Federations work.

ISCF Vision & Mission

Our Vision:

To increase national and international consumer awareness of the range and value of Irish self-catering sector throughout Ireland while pushing for equal representation & exposure for self-catering within the tourism industry.

ISCF Mission

To promote and protect the interests of our members by;

Representing Irish self-caterers by proactive lobbying on a national level to ensure equal representation for our sector in the tourism industry
Offering business networking opportunities
Providing online support forum where any paid member can reach out to all other members with any industry related issue or problems
Members’ access to industry presentations and face to face meetings with industry trade suppliers
Collaboration with other industry Federations to provide networking opportunities regionally, nationally and at EU level.

CODE OF ETHICS of the Irish Self-Catering Federation

1 The property and gardens/grounds and any facilities should be presented and maintained to the highest standard of decor and cleanliness.

2 The property should comply with all Health and Safety standards for a residential dwelling.

3 The owner/manager should provide an excellent service to guests, from initial enquiry to booking, providing full information on terms and conditions, and arrival and departure details.

4 The owner/manager should provide a warm welcome to guests which could include a welcome hamper, a nice bunch of flowers from the garden, rooms warm and lit – as appropriate for the property/location and time of year.

5 The guests should be greeted by the owner/manager/caretaker or a suitably arranged method of key collection agreed with the guest.

6 Following on the information given at the time of booking, the owner/manager should present excellent information on local amenities and provide essential telephone numbers and information for the guests’ enjoyment.

Terms and Conditions of Membership were updated in August 2021.