Thousands of families may lose out on pre-paid holidays after the online booking agent Selfcatering.ie went out of business.

The company, which offered holidaymakers thousands of self-catered locations across Ireland, sent automated emails last night stating that it’s with regret they inform their customers that they have ceased trading.

The firm, based at Rosslare Harbour in Co Wexford, has been in operation for over 14 years.

It’s understood self-catering.ie had taken payment for holidays in the future and it’s unlikely that these bookings will be honoured or that full refunds will be given.