IrelandA holiday I booked doesn't match what was advertised.
If your holiday doesn’t match the advertisement, you may be entitled to a refund, price reduction, or compensation under the Consumer Protection Act 2007, which bans misleading commercial practices.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Protection Act 2007 protects you when a holiday you booked is not as advertised. It makes it illegal for businesses to engage in misleading commercial practices — including false or deceptive descriptions of services like holidays.
Under Section 42 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007, a commercial practice is considered 'misleading' if it contains false information or is likely to deceive the average consumer about key aspects of the service — such as its nature, main characteristics, location, or price.
This includes advertisements, brochures, websites, emails, or verbal promises made before booking. If the holiday you received differs materially from what was promised — for example, a different hotel grade, missing facilities, or a different destination — it may breach this law.
The law applies to all traders operating in Ireland, including travel agents, tour operators, and online booking platforms.
Statutory TextA commercial practice is misleading if it contains false information or is likely to deceive the average consumer as to the nature, main characteristics, location, or price of the product.
— Consumer Protection Act 2007, s. 42 — Misleading commercial practices
What to Do
Contact the trader (e.g., travel agent or operator) in writing, clearly stating how the holiday differed from the advertisement and what remedy you seek (e.g., refund or compensation).
Keep copies of all advertising material (screenshots, brochures, emails) and your booking confirmation.
If unresolved, complain to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) at ccpc.ie.
You may also take civil legal action within 6 years of the breach to claim damages or other remedies.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.