Airbnb awards €100k to communities across Ireland to support rural tourism

Airbnb has today announced eleven new recipients of the Rural Tourism Fund, a project aimed at boosting community-led tourism across rural Ireland. The fund provides grants of between €1,000 to €15,000 to support local projects, with this year’s winners  including the Cavan Arts Festival, the Midlands Amenity Park, upgrades to the Connemara Trail, Skibbereen’s Painted Past, and the Doonbeg International Jazz Festival.

Open to community groups, small businesses, social enterprises, and cultural organisations, the Rural Tourism Fund celebrates the people and projects that make rural Ireland unique, helping inspire more visitors – both at home and abroad – to visit this part of the world. 

Rural tourism plays a vital role in preserving Ireland’s heritage, supporting local jobs, and sharing the benefits of tourism beyond major cities. Airbnb continues to champion rural tourism, with 71% of bookings in Ireland taking place in predominantly rural areas¹. By helping visitors to discover unique, off-the-beaten-track places and experiences, Airbnb helps boost small communities, support cultural landmarks, and ensure regional economies continue to thrive.

Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Airbnb Ireland, said: “Rural Ireland is full of creativity, character, and community spirit, and we’re proud to support projects that showcase all three. Through Airbnb’s Rural Tourism Fund, we’re empowering local groups and small businesses to create unique, meaningful experiences for visitors while benefiting local communities economically. Almost three quarters of nights booked on Airbnb in Ireland are in rural areas and we believe in the power of rural tourism to strengthen communities”.

Kevin Moroney, Owner of Spanish Point Cycling Tours said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding, which will help us add more e-bikes to our fleet and welcome even more visitors to explore the stunning Clare coastline. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and this support makes it easier for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy cycling in the area.”

The eleven recipients of this year’s Airbnb Rural Tourism Fund are:

Light Through the Landscape: Aughrim in Glass

Devised by Aughrim Tidy Towns,  this new, Wicklow-based permanent glass artwork will celebrate Irish language and heritage, created through community engagement with a local artist.

Dark Skies Community

A collaboration between a local eco-lodge business, Wild Hideaways, and the local community in the Mealagh Valley, the fund will support the creation of an accredited Dark Skies Park in County Cork, creating a memorable experience for visitors and locals to enjoy the tranquility and benefits of a natural night sky.

Connemara Trail Upgrades

A section of the scenic trail, part of the scenic Western Way in Galway, is currently closed due to safety concerns. The fund will support FORUM Connemara in clearing and resurfacing the site to improve access and futureproof the route for visitors.

Riverbank Fairy Walk

Another initiative championed by the local Tidy Towns organisation, this time in Glenbeigh, this Kerry-based nature walk fosters creativity for children in the local area. The fund will contribute towards a longer path route and adding eco-friendly infrastructure. 

Spanish Point Cycling Tours

Based in County Clare, this young family-run business encourages more people to explore the beautiful coastline by bike, while discovering local culture and history. Funding will support the purchase of additional e-bikes, allowing more visitors to enjoy the route sustainably.

John Wilcox (Head Distiller, Blackwater Distillery), Caroline Senior (Founder and CEO, Blackwater Distillery)

DubhCon

Based in Waterford and the brainchild of Blackwater Distillery, an independent Irish craft distillery, this project marks the creation of DubhCon – the region’s first tabletop gaming convention, utilising unique local venues, and offering an alternative cultural event during the off-season.

Skibbereen’s Painted Past

Led by Cork’s local digital hub, Ludgate, this project will turn hidden laneways and public walls into vibrant murals that bring the town’s history and forgotten stories to life.

The Doonbeg International Jazz Festival

As the only jazz festival in Clare, and now in its 26th year, the festival’s passionate organising committee ensures the event remains free and accessible, running over the June bank holiday weekend and attracting tourists and musicians from around the world.

Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park

Based in Westmeath, this community-run park and wetlands spans 22 acres of woodland, heritage exhibits, a children’s playground, and a sensory garden. Funding will support new, more durable signage throughout the park, helping to ensure the site remains welcoming and accessible for all visitors. 

Cavan Arts Festival

Approaching its 10th year, Cavan Arts Festival continues to grow, celebrating local art, creativity, and community spirit. The funding will help support a vibrant new procession developed through artist-led community workshops.

Sli Ború

Linking existing heritage sites, closely associated with Ireland’s greatest High King through a digital trail, this initiative from Clare Walks marks the creation of an innovative new visitor experience in County Clare.