Usually not: short-term holiday home lets are generally outside the Residential Tenancies Act and the RTB’s remit, so Ireland does not provide the same statutory deposit protection as for many residential tenancies. Check the booking agreement for the deposit amount, permitted deductions, refund deadline and any damage or cancellation terms. Pay through a reputable platform where possible and keep the agreement, receipts, photographs and messages. If the deposit is withheld, use the platform’s complaints process or seek advice from a solicitor, as the outcome will depend on the individual contract and facts.