In Ireland’s competitive hospitality market, first impressions are everything. Potential guests browsing booking sites like Booking.com, Airbnb, VRBO, hotel websites, or independent rental platforms make snap decisions based almost entirely on visual appeal. Poor quality photos – bad lighting, low resolution, uninviting angles – can mean missed opportunities and lost revenue for hotels, guesthouses, Airbnbs, and holiday rentals alike.
Based in the heart of County Kerry, I specialise in creating professional, captivating photography for hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, Airbnb hosts, and holiday rental owners across Ireland. My primary focus areas are County Kerry and County Cork, and I regularly provide services in County Clare, County Limerick, and County Galway. My goal is to showcase your property in its best light, capturing its unique charm and appeal to attract more guests and maximise your bookings, whether it’s a hotel in Cork, an Airbnb in Kerry, or a holiday cottage in Clare.
Why Professional Hospitality, Rental & Airbnb Photography Matters
Investing in high-quality, professional photography isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s a strategic move to enhance your accommodation business’s success. Here’s why it’s crucial for your property in Kerry, Cork, Clare, Limerick, Galway, or elsewhere in Ireland:
- Stand Out in a Crowded Market: Professional photos grab attention instantly, making your listing or website more appealing than competitors on platforms saturated with options, especially crucial for Airbnb listings.
- Increase Bookings & Occupancy: There’s a proven link between superior visuals and higher booking rates for all types of accommodation, including hotels and Airbnbs. Listings with more high-quality photos often receive significantly more bookings.
- Justify Premium Rates: High-quality presentation signals a high-quality property, allowing you to command better rates and attract guests willing to pay for perceived value.
- Build Trust and Manage Expectations: Accurate, professional photos set realistic expectations, leading to happier guests and better reviews. They build trust before the guest even arrives.
- Create Versatile Marketing Assets: Use your professional photos across all platforms – Booking.com, Airbnb, your own website , social media , online travel agencies (OTAs), and print materials – for consistent branding and maximum impact.
My Hotel, Holiday Rental & Airbnb Photography Services
I offer comprehensive photography services tailored specifically for the needs of accommodation providers across Ireland, including Kerry, Cork, Clare, Limerick, and Galway:
- Interior Photography: Capturing the ambiance, layout, key features, and unique details of guest rooms, suites, lobbies, dining areas, bars, common spaces, and rental living areas. I focus on using natural light wherever possible to create bright, inviting images that showcase the true feel of the space.
- Exterior Photography: Showcasing your property’s curb appeal, architecture, setting, garden spaces, views, and any unique external features.
- Detail & Amenity Shots: Highlighting the special touches – a welcoming fireplace, high-end kitchen appliances in a rental, luxurious hotel bedding, spa facilities, unique decor, or stunning views – that make your property desirable and stand out.
- Airbnb Photography Expertise: Understanding the specific needs of Airbnb hosts, focusing on creating compelling cover photos , showcasing unique selling points , capturing the guest experience , and ensuring photos accurately represent the space to build trust.
- Lifestyle Photography (Optional): Adding images that help guests envision themselves enjoying the space, such as guests relaxing in the lounge, a staged coffee on the balcony of a rental, or showcasing local experiences accessible from the property.
- Drone/Aerial Photography (Optional): Providing breathtaking overhead views to showcase the property’s location, scale, proximity to landmarks (like beaches in Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher in Clare, or attractions in Cork), or stunning surroundings.
- Twilight Photography (Optional): Creating dramatic and inviting shots during the “golden hour” or dusk to highlight exterior lighting, landscape features, and ambiance.
- Food & Beverage Photography: Professional shots of your hotel restaurant’s dishes, bar offerings, or a welcome basket in a holiday rental to entice potential diners and guests.
- Professional Editing: All images are professionally edited for optimal brightness, colour accuracy, and sharpness, ensuring a polished final product ready for web and print. Techniques like HDR blending or Flambient methods may be used to capture detail accurately.
- Efficient Process: From our initial consultation to understand your specific needs for your property (whether it’s a hotel, B&B, or Airbnb), through the on-site photoshoot (time varies based on property size and scope ), to prompt delivery (typically 48 hours for standard projects ) of high-resolution digital images ready for use.
Showcasing Your Irish Property: My Local & National Expertise
As a photographer based in Killorglin, County Kerry, I have an intimate understanding of the local landscape and the unique appeal of properties in the Southwest. While my primary focus areas are County Kerry and County Cork , I regularly serve clients throughout County Clare , County Limerick , and County Galway , and am available for projects across Ireland.
I have experience capturing the essence of diverse properties, including:
- Hotels (Boutique, Luxury, Family-run)
- Guesthouses & B&Bs
- Airbnb Properties (from unique stays to modern apartments)
- Traditional Irish Cottages
- Coastal Homes and Apartments with Sea Views
- Self-Catering Holiday Rentals
- Town Centre Apartments & Rentals
- Rural Retreats & Lodges
- Unique Stays (e.g., Pub Accommodation , Glamping Sites , Castles )
My familiarity with regions like Kerry , Cork , Clare (including areas near the Cliffs of Moher ), Limerick , and Galway allows me to highlight not just your property, but also its connection to the stunning local environment – whether it’s proximity to famous landmarks, scenic drives like the Wild Atlantic Way , vibrant cities, or charming local villages.
Preparing Your Property: A Host’s Guide to a Successful Photoshoot
To ensure we capture the absolute best images of your hotel, holiday rental, or Airbnb, preparation is key! Following this guide will help make the photoshoot efficient and result in photos that truly shine and attract bookings. Think of it as staging for your property’s close-up.
1. Deep Clean Thoroughly:
- Go beyond a standard clean. Ensure floors, windows (inside and out), mirrors, and all surfaces are spotless. Pay attention to details like light switches, skirting boards, and inside appliances if they’ll be open.
- Dust all surfaces, including furniture, light fixtures, and decor.
- Ensure bathrooms and kitchens are sparkling.
2. Declutter Strategically:
- Less is more! Remove personal items (family photos, toiletries unless staged, excessive knick-knacks, mail, etc.).
- Clear surfaces like countertops, tables, desks, and bedside tables of unnecessary items. Leave only essential or decorative pieces.
- Hide visible wires, cables, and remote controls where possible.
- Remove clutter from closets if they are to be photographed.
3. Optimise Lighting:
- Turn OFF all artificial lights: This includes lamps and overhead lights. We primarily use natural light, and mixing light sources creates undesirable colour casts. (Exception: If specific feature lighting like under-cabinet or mood lighting is a key selling point, let me know beforehand).
- Open all curtains and blinds: Let in as much natural light as possible. Ensure they hang neatly.
- Replace any burnt-out light bulbs (even though lights will be off, visible bulbs should look functional).
4. Prepare Bedrooms:
- Make beds perfectly with fresh, clean, and unwrinkled linen. Use attractive, neutral or complementary bedding.
- Fluff pillows and arrange them neatly (e.g., two pillows per sleeper).
- Ensure comforters/duvets hang evenly.
- Clear bedside tables, leaving perhaps only a lamp, a book, or a small decorative item.
- Remove clothing from closets unless showcasing storage space (ensure it’s tidy).
5. Prepare Bathrooms:
- Ensure extreme cleanliness – mirrors, taps, shower screens, toilets, floors.
- Clear countertops of personal toiletries. Stage minimally with perhaps a small plant, soap dispenser, or neatly folded hand towels.
- Hang fresh, clean towels neatly folded or rolled.
- Close the toilet lid.
- Open the shower curtain or door fully.
- Replace toilet paper roll if low.
- Set out any accessibility features (shower chairs, ramps) if applicable and intended to be photographed.
6. Prepare Living & Dining Areas:
- Arrange furniture to showcase space and flow. Create inviting seating arrangements.
- Fluff pillows and neatly fold throws/blankets.
- Declutter coffee tables, side tables, and shelves. A few well-placed books, magazines, or decorative objects are fine.
- Set the dining table simply or leave it clear, ensuring chairs are evenly spaced.
7. Prepare Kitchen:
- Clear countertops completely. Hide washing-up liquid, sponges, tea towels, and dishes.
- Clean appliance surfaces (oven, microwave, fridge).
- Hide bins if possible.
- Consider staging with a bowl of fresh fruit, a coffee machine, or a vase of flowers, but keep it minimal.
- Ensure visible objects (e.g., hanging pans, stools) are arranged neatly or symmetrically.
8. Prepare Exterior & Outdoor Spaces:
- Ensure the entrance is welcoming. Tidy up any plants or decorations.
- Remove vehicles from the driveway or front of the property.
- Hide bins, gardening tools, hoses, children’s toys, etc.
- Mow the lawn and tidy garden beds if applicable.
- Arrange outdoor furniture neatly. Open patio umbrellas.
- Remove covers from BBQs, pools, or hot tubs if they are features to be highlighted.
- If feature lighting (e.g., string lights, fire pits) is important, ensure it’s working and inform me if you’d like twilight shots.
9. Final Check:
- Do a final walkthrough of all areas to be photographed just before I arrive.
- Look with a critical eye – are there any last-minute adjustments needed?
- Ensure pets are secured away from the areas being photographed unless specifically requested as part of a lifestyle shoot.
My Work: Transforming Accommodation Listings with Professional Photography
See examples of stunning photography for hotels, guesthouses, holiday cottages, coastal apartments, Airbnbs, and unique rentals across Ireland. Witness the difference professional visuals can make.
These photos are ones that I took at the excellent J.B. O'Shea in Dingle
Elevate your Irish hotel, guesthouse, Airbnb, or holiday rental listing with professional photography that captures attention and converts views into bookings. Contact me today for a free, no-obligation consultation and personalised quote.
faqs
Why do I need professional photos for my hotel, Airbnb, or rental property in Ireland?
In a competitive market like Kerry, Cork, and across Ireland, professional photos make your property stand out online, attract more attention, build guest trust, and ultimately lead to more bookings and potentially higher rates. They are a crucial first impression, especially on platforms like Airbnb.
What is typically included in your hotel/holiday rental/Airbnb photography package?
Packages typically include a set number of high-resolution, professionally edited digital images covering all key interior and exterior areas, plus important details and amenities. The exact number depends on the property size, type (hotel vs. Airbnb), and package chosen. We discuss your specific needs during the consultation.
How long does a typical property photoshoot take?
This varies greatly. A standard holiday rental or Airbnb might take 1.5-3 hours , while a larger hotel could require a full day or more. We’ll discuss the estimated time during the consultation based on your property.
How should I prepare my property before the photoshoot?
Please refer to the detailed ‘Preparing Your Property’ guide above! Key steps include deep cleaning, decluttering, removing personal items, ensuring beds are perfectly made, and opening all curtains/blinds for natural light. I provide a detailed checklist upon booking.
What is your turnaround time for delivering the edited photos?
Standard delivery is typically within 48-72 hours after the photoshoot for smaller projects like standard rentals or Airbnbs. Larger projects like full hotel shoots may take slightly longer, which will be agreed upon beforehand. Faster turnaround options may be available if needed.
What are your rates for hotel, Airbnb, or rental photography in Ireland?
Pricing is tailored based on property size, type (hotel, Airbnb, B&B, etc.), location within Ireland (e.g., Kerry, Cork, Clare, Limerick, Galway), and specific requirements (e.g., drone photography, food photography). Please contact me for a personalized quote.
Do you offer additional services like drone photography, virtual tours, or food photography?
Yes, depending on the property and location, I can offer drone/aerial photography , virtual tours, floor plans, and dedicated food/restaurant photography. Let’s discuss your specific needs during the consultation.
Which areas in Ireland do you serve?
I am based in Kerry and primarily serve Kerry, Cork, Clare, Limerick, and Galway. However, I am available for projects throughout Ireland. Travel fees may apply for locations significantly outside these main service areas.
What usage rights do I receive for the photographs?
You receive comprehensive usage rights to use the photos for marketing your specific hotel or rental property across various platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, your website, social media, OTAs) and in related print materials. Full details are provided in the service agreement.
How can I book a photoshoot for my property?
Simply contact me via the website form or phone. I’ll discuss your property and needs, provide a quote, and schedule the photoshoot at your convenience.