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Stricter rules for short term lets

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The government are looking to implement new stricter rules on the short term letting of non-principal private residences in rent pressure zones.

Under new rules it will be an offence for property owners and short-term lettings websites such as Airbnb to advertise rentals that do not have the required planning permission under proposals agreed by the Government. Under the current rules, anyone looking to rent out a second home to the holiday market must apply for planning permission to do so. The new regulations would see both the property owners and the online platform fined for advertising properties that do not have the necessary planning permission.

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said the Cabinet had approved these stronger regulatory controls which would result in more homes returning to the long-term rental market in rent pressure zones, where rents are highest and where households have the greatest difficulty finding affordable accommodation.

If enacted, the changes to the law will mean that from September 1, online platforms will not be able to advertise properties in rent pressure zones that do not have the proper planning permission.
Non-compliance with these provisions will be an offence for both the individual property owners concerned and the online platforms. It is understood the penalty for non-compliance will be a fine of €5,000 or six months in prison, or both. Fines of €1,500 per day would also apply if a property continues to be advertised after the initial conviction.

The proposed amendment is to the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No 2) Bill progressing through the Oireachtas, which is expected to be enacted before the summer recess.
Announcing his plans, Mr O’Brien said the move would ease pressure on the rental market. “We know that significant numbers of properties have been withdrawn from the long-term rental market in recent years and diverted for use as short-term lettings, negatively impacting on the supply and availability of private residential rental accommodation with associated knock-on implications for rental prices,” he said. “This trend has been made easier through the use of online platforms and has been particularly acute in urban areas of high housing demand.”

He said the new controls are to be in place for six months initially while the Department of Tourism alongside Fáilte Ireland establish a new registration system for short-term lettings.

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Highstool Prophets bring global tour to Killarney

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Cavan folk group The Highstool Prophets have announced a major headline show at the Gleneagle Ballroom on Friday, February 5, 2027, as part of their upcoming ‘This Is The Life’ Tour.

The five-piece group has rapidly become one of Ireland’s most sought-after folk acts, building a reputation on high-energy live performances and a fresh take on traditional tunes.

The newly announced Killarney date comes on the heels of a massive nationwide tour announcement, which includes a headline appearance at Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre.


The tour celebrates the phenomenal success of their hit cover of Amy MacDonald’s This Is The Life.

The track has become a global streaming sensation, amassing over 50 million streams and broadening the band’s reach across international markets.


Alongside their upcoming Irish dates, The Highstool Prophets are set to take their show to audiences across the UK, Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia, delivering a mix of fan favourites and classic Irish folk anthems.


Tickets for the 18+ concert cost €40.90, including booking and venue facility fees, and go on sale this Wednesday at 10.00am via Ticketmaster.

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Lawless Jewellery named finalist in Irish Made Awards

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Independent College Street jewellery brand Lawless has been named a finalist in the Jewellery category of the 2026 Irish Made Awards, run by Irish Country Magazine.

Founded by designer-maker Lyndsay Lawless, the one-woman business creates celestial jewellery inspired by mythology, symbolism, and the night sky.

Each piece is handcrafted using stainless steel and natural gemstones in her studio located within the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve.

The collections are available online and stocked locally at LI•LY on College Street, which serves as the brand’s retail home in Killarney.


The nomination comes as both Lawless and the Irish Made Awards celebrate their 10th anniversaries this year. After relocating from London to Kerry in 2015 following a career with the NHS, Lawless established the business the following year.


“I have spent ten years building the brand in Kerry, designing and making beneath the protected night skies of the reserve, then bringing that work into Killarney through LI•LY,” said Lawless. “To have it recognised on a national stage means a huge amount. Every order, shop visit, recommendation, and kind word from customers has helped get Lawless here. Now that the decision includes a public vote, I would love Kerry to get behind its own.”


Public voting is open online at irishcountrymagazine.ie/vote until September 8. Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at The Johnstown Estate in County Meath on September 30.

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