Airbnb Commits €100,000 to Support Local Tourism Initiatives in Rural Ireland
Ireland’s rural towns and villages are the beating heart of authentic Irish tourism. And with 71% of Airbnb bookings in Ireland made in predominantly rural areas, local hosts play a crucial role in welcoming guests, supporting small businesses, and helping rural communities to thrive.
To celebrate and strengthen that impact, we’re launching the Airbnb Rural Tourism Fund – a €100,000 fund dedicated to helping local communities and grassroots organisations bring their tourism initiatives to life.
Whether it’s expanding a beloved local festival, creating new signage for walking trails, restoring a heritage site, or commissioning public art, we want to fund the projects that showcase the best of rural Ireland.
Grants from €1,000 to €10,000 are available for projects that help support:
Local Tourism: Initiatives that support rural tourism or organisations working in rural tourism.
Festivals, Events, and Experiences: Events, festivals or experiences that bring communities together and showcase rural areas.
Cultural Heritage, and Preservation: Projects that protect, restore or celebrate Ireland’s culture, history and heritage.
Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb, said: “We’re fortunate to have some of the world’s most stunning places to visit right here in Ireland. A small amount of funding can make a big difference to local groups with ideas to enhance their area for the benefit of both visitors and locals.
Airbnb is proud to launch the Rural Tourism Fund – a celebration of rural tourism and the people that make it possible. We look forward to hearing from organisations of all varieties, from every corner of the country.”
We welcome applications from a broad range of organisations – community groups, non-profits, cultural and heritage groups, social enterprises, and small businesses – anyone with a project that promotes tourism outside of Ireland’s major cities.*
This fund is part of Airbnb’s continued commitment to support rural communities and boost local tourism.
If you’ve got an idea – or know someone who does – head to airbnb.ie/ruraltourismfund.
Application deadline is 23:59, 30 June, 2025. Terms apply.