Airbnb’s Irish Inaugural Host Spotlight Award Winners Revealed

With the year coming to a close, Airbnb has revealed Ireland’s top hosts for 2023. From the “Best Design Stay” and “Best New Host”, to “Best Room Host”, “Best Sustainable Stay” and “Most Unique Stay”, the Airbnb Host Awards aim to shine a light on the Irish Hosts for the incredible work they do for guests and the benefits they bring to their wider communities.

The “Best Design Stay” award has been granted to Mary for her Modern Cottage in Donegal. Mary began hosting when she retired from the hospitality industry and renovated an old cottage she had bought years ago in the mountains above Lough Eske. The extension is modern, with terrazzo flooring and floor to ceiling windows to fully appreciate the beautiful surrounding scenery of the magnificent lake.

The “Best New Host” award goes to Diane and her Central Home with private courtyard also in Donegal. Diane has travelled extensively all over the world and knew that it was the attention to detail and homely touches that make for a great stay. Her guests particularly enjoy the unique outdoor area for socialising, which has made her Airbnb stand out.

Next up, Deirdre was awarded “Best Room Host” for her beautiful private room stay in a period country house in Westmeath. Deirdre started hosting as a way to earn additional income when her grown-up children moved out of the home last year and loves welcoming guests into her home, with delicious home-made breakfasts and dinner on offer.

Helena and her off-grid nature cabin Wren’s Nest in Kilkenny has won the “Best Sustainable Stay” award. Helena has undertaken initiatives such as recycling grey wastewater, compost toilets and solar lights in this rural haven.

Finally, The Birdbox Treehouse in Donegal hosted by Pete and Anna has been awarded the “Most Unique Stay”, which invites guests into their cosy, handcrafted treehouse nestled between beautiful mature oak and Scots pine trees to reignite connections with nature.

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “We are delighted to recognise Hosts in the Airbnb community in Ireland for their hospitality and dedication to the Hosting community. It is uplifting to see the huge dedication put into each listing which truly offers each and every guest a unique experience. Now with the Guest Favourites category it’s even easier for prospective guests to find and stay with our crowned winners”

Pete and Anna Higgins, Most Unique Stay, said: “Over the years, we’ve had the absolute pleasure of meeting so many lovely, interesting guests – some we now call friends. We love seeing guests leave their stay looking visibly more relaxed than when they arrived. The Birdbox is a one of a kind handcrafted treehouse nestled between mature Scots pine and oak trees and with beautiful views of Glenveagh National Park in Co. Donegal. It was designed and built by ourselves on a small footprint and clad in reclaimed timber to be sympathetic to it’s surroundings. We’re delighted to be the winners of the Most Unique Stay.”

Please find the full list of award finalists here.

2023 Airbnb Host Spotlight Award Winners

Best Design Stay: Recognising hosts who offer stand-out listings with iconic architecture and interiors.

Winner: Mary – Luxurious Modern Cottage 

About the Host: Mary had been working in hospitality since 1984, when lockdown hit, and she was pushed to retirement. Mary used her free time to design, and project manage the restoration of an old cottage she had bought in the mountains above lough Eske. Mary enjoys taking care of her guests in this modern cottage, with terrazzo flooring and floor to ceiling windows to fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings. 

Best New Host: recognising new hosts (starting in 2023) who have gone above and beyond to ensure guests have an amazing stay.

Winner: Diane – Central Home with private courtyard

About the Host: Having travelled extensively around the world, Diane knew hosting would come naturally to her. Diane knew that attention to detail and going above and beyond for guests is what makes host’s stand out. 

Best Room Host: Recognising Hosts who are proud to open up their own home to guests.

Winner: Deirdre – Room in period country house

About the Host: Deirdre started hosting 4 years ago to create additional income whilst working from home. Deirde has hosted people from all over the world in her own home she shares with her husband. The rooms she has listed on Airbnb are light and bright with high ceilings, pretty antique furniture and interesting artwork. 

Best Sustainable Stay:  Recognising hosts who have taken the time to create an environmentally friendly listing and implemented steps to educate guests. 

Winner: Helena – Wren’s Nest Cabin 

About the Host: Helena and Rob are both artists who live in a small cottage in the country. They began hosting as a way of sharing their wild cottage garden and also providing an income. The wren’s nest cabin offers guests the opportunity to relax in nature and to experience sustainable accommodation. The water in the cabin is not wasted and the grey wastewater is reused in the garden, all the lights are solar and guests use a compost toilet.

Most Unique Stay: Recognising Hosts who have a unique and amazingly distinctive home.

Winner: Pete and Anna – The Birdbox Treehouse

About the Host: The Higgins started hosting 9 years ago with one property and now have a trio of spaces called Neadú. The Birdbox led to the name of the collection Neadú as it is the Irish word for nestle. The Birdbox is a one-of-a-kind handcrafted treehouse nestled between mature Scots pine and oak trees with a beautiful view of Glenveagh. It offers adult guests the childlike experience of staying in a treehouse but with a feel of quirky nostalgia and cosy comfort.