Airbnb and Historic Houses of Ireland Announce 2025 Capacity Awards Winners

In partnership with Historic Houses of Ireland we have announced the 2025 Capacity Awards winners, a fund that provides €5,000 to each recipient to support the essential conservation of historic homes in Limerick, Meath and Tipperary. Through this initiative, Airbnb helps the owners of Irish heritage homes to get their properties ready for welcoming guests to rural areas around the country.

Three remarkable Irish properties recognised for their commitment to heritage and community tourism were selected as this year’s winners:

• Knockelly Castle in Tipperary, a rare medieval tower house surrounded by one of Ireland’s few surviving bawns, will use its award to support conservation works that will allow visitors to stay within the castle’s historic walls.
• Killyon Manor in Meath, a centuries-old estate blending history, art and nature, will put the funding towards improving guest accommodation to expand its capacity for future visitors looking to be part of the vibrant community. 
• Waterloo House in Limerick, built in 1817 as the Rectory to Kilflynn Church, will use the funds for infrastructural works towards the development of barn accommodation and potential future use as a small events and wedding venue, enhancing Ballyorgan’s growing rural tourism offering.

The Capacity Awards were established by Airbnb and Historic Houses of Ireland in 2023, a partnership which showcases Airbnb’s continued commitment to heritage tourism. As part of the initiative, applications were assessed by a panel consisting of Historic Houses of Ireland and Airbnb representatives.

For those looking to explore other historic properties, Wilton Castle in Bree, Wexford, The Garden Cottage in Castlerea, Roscommon and Dromana House and Gardens in Cappoquin, Waterford are just some of many stays on Airbnb that offer an insight into Ireland’s rich heritage. 

Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb, said: “We’re proud to celebrate this year’s Capacity Award winners, whose dedication protects Ireland’s historic homes and supports rural communities. Through partnerships like this, we’re not only supporting heritage restoration but also encouraging more people across Ireland to explore the incredible, rural destinations on their own doorstep.”

Justin Green, Chairman of Historic Houses of Ireland said: “This year’s Capacity Award winners from Meath, Tipperary and Limerick showcase the remarkable heritage that exists across rural Ireland. From medieval castles to Georgian homes and country estates, each tells a unique story from our past. Through the Capacity Awards, in partnership with Airbnb, we’re helping owners preserve these historic places while opening them to visitors. By doing so, we sustain our heritage, support rural tourism and strengthen community life across the country.”

Winners of the 2025 Capacity Awards

Waterloo House, Co. Limerick

Built in 1817 as the Rectory to Kilflynn Church, Waterloo House sits proudly at the foot of Seefin Mountain in the Ballyhoura village of Ballyorgan. With its Georgian proportions, elegant reception rooms, and scenic grounds, the house has long been a local landmark. Owners Kate Longmate and Richard Stubbings are committed to breathing new life into this historic property, using the Capacity Award funds for infrastructural works towards the development of a barn accommodation project and to explore potential future use as a small events and wedding venue complementing Ballyorgan’s growing rural tourism offering.

Kate Longmate, owner of Waterloo House said: “We’re so grateful for the recognition and support from Airbnb and Historic Houses of Ireland. This funding will help us take the steps needed to safely open Waterloo House for visitors and potentially events. Our dream is to see this beautiful old rectory and its grounds once again filled with life, contributing to the vitality of Ballyorgan and the wider Ballyhoura region.”

Killyon Manor, Co. Meath

In the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Killyon Manor offers a rare blend of nature, history and creativity. The estate, with its centuries-old ruins, wildflower meadows and artistic spirit, is a genuine haven for native wildlife and humans alike. The Purcells, who own Killyon Manor, are passionate about encouraging people to connect with nature and each other in this sanctuary, with festivals, natural weddings and workshops held year-round. The Capacity Award funding will support upgrades to the guest accommodation, including modernising bathrooms and installing heating, so that more visitors can enjoy this historic manor and its thriving community.

Zoe Purcell, owner of Killyon Manor said: “Killyon Manor is not a normal Big House. Since the beginning of our time here we’ve been re-imagining how a property like this can fulfil a more original, generous role in the future of Ireland. We are absolutely delighted with this award, which opens another possibility of sharing the magic of the Manor further. We’ve always envisioned this place as a haven where nature, art and people come together, and now we can make sure our overnight guests can have what they need to really experience how special it is, inside and out.”

Knockelly Castle, Co. Tipperary

Standing on a hillock in County Tipperary, the commanding Knockelly Castle is a remarkable and undiscovered gem of medieval Ireland, featuring a 15th-century tower house and one of Ireland’s few surviving bawns. The bawn wall incorporates 16th-century gun turrets and a gatehouse. Jeremy and Sybil Emmet-Booth, the owners, have been lovingly restoring the site, carefully balancing the need to connect past, present and future. The Capacity Award funds will enable the appointment of a conservation architect to oversee the transformation of two historic buildings within the castle’s walls, to give visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a living piece of Irish history.

Jeremy Emmet-Booth, owner of Knockelly Castle said: “Receiving this award is an honour and a huge boost to our conservation work here. It helps make our vision of welcoming visitors within Knockelly’s historic walls a reality. By giving people a chance to stay, experience and enjoy this ancient place in a meaningful, inclusive and sustainable way, it ultimately helps preserve the built and natural heritage at Knockelly, while also giving the place a chance of surviving another 560 years.”