Airbnb funds historic home renovations in Fermoy, Boyle and Nobber

Earlier this year, Airbnb partnered with Historic Houses of Ireland to help support the conservation of heritage homes and sites in Ireland. The commitment represents another step in Airbnb’s pledge to support the preservation of unique and historically significant buildings throughout Ireland.

The partnership established the Capacity Awards, a fund available to members of Historic Houses of Ireland to support the development, maintenance and restoration of these important properties. The funding will support the owners in preparing their historic homes for the tourism market. 

“We are delighted to be partnering with Airbnb to bring much needed resources and expertise to our members. Historic houses often form a vital part of their communities, whether through employment, as part of the local tourism ecosystem, or as a community and arts venue. We are excited to do our part in bringing these properties back to their original glory.”

Thomas Cosby, Chairman of Historic Houses of Ireland

Applications were received and assessed by a panel consisting of Historic Houses of Ireland and Airbnb representatives. Each of these successful properties received the Capacity Award which consisted of €2,500 to assist with preparing the property for the tourism market. The three winners of the Airbnb Capacity Awards were Richmond House in Fermoy County Cork, Frybrook House, Boyle in Roscommon and The Gatekeeper’s Lodge at Whitewood House, Nobber in Meath. 

“Ireland’s historic houses offer a depth of history and add uniqueness to the local tourism offer. Careful restoration of these historical homes provides additional tourism accommodation which is badly needed in some areas. The opening of these historic homes to guests in 2024 will provide a welcome boost to tourism in Fermoy, Boyle, Nobber and beyond.”

Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb

Richmond House

Richmond House, in the heart of Fermoy, lay vacant for some time before being acquired by its current owners, Fiachra Ó Cinnéide and Debbie Gaffney in 2020, who have since been busy transforming it into an arts, education and community hub as well as their family home. The Capacity Award funding will finance specialist lime plastering and heritage sash window repairs for a two-bedroom apartment in the house, hastening the property’s readiness to welcome guests. There is a severe shortage of tourist accommodation in the area and Richmond House’s addition will boost business for other local tourism providers, including fellow Historic Houses of Ireland members.

“We are delighted to have received the Airbnb capacity award which has provided us with much needed funding. We are passionate about breathing new life into this beautiful period property and sharing our journey with as many people as possible. We are honoured to receive this award, which will allow us to complete this first phase of our project and start us on our journey of welcoming guests to our beautiful home.”

Fiachra Ó Cinnéide, owner of Richmond House

Frybrook House

Similarly, Frybrook House, situated in the heart of Boyle, lay empty for a number of years before being acquired by its current owners Joan Collier, Ulrich Bals and Belinda Collier in 2018, who have invested considerably in the restoration of the property. The Capacity Award was awarded to Frybrook House to help the owners ensure the property is compliant with fire safety regulations, before their doors can open as an historic guesthouse in 2024. The local community have expressed strong support for Frybrook opening to guests, as a vital part of the local tourism infrastructure.

“Our passion over the last five years was to bring Frybrook House back to where it should be, reflecting its history and Georgian elegance. Finally, we will be ready to share its beauty and history with our guests in March 2024.”

Joan Collier, owner of Frybrook House

Gatekeeper’s Lodge

In the case of the Gatekeeper’s Lodge on the grounds of Whitewood House, outside Nobber, the property has been restored from ruins. Whitewood House is owned by David and Daimhnait Horgan, and has been in the family’s hands since 1910. The Capacity Award was awarded to help the owners, who have completed the extensive structural renovations to the lodge, to finish specialist restoration of the window shutters, guttering and landscaping to make the property ready for letting.

“We were delighted to receive an award from Airbnb and look forward to working with them in placing this unique heritage lodge on the national and international short-term rental marketplace.”

David and Damhnait Horgan, owners of the Gatekeeper’s Lodge at Whitewood House

Recent research from Oxford Economics highlighted the value of Airbnb’s contribution to rural communities in particular. In 2022, while Airbnb-related economic activity in Dublin was valued at over €150 million, activity in South-West counties of Kerry and Cork were valued at over €110 million, over 20% of the total contribution. In fact, nights spent in the South-West are now on par with nights spent in Dublin, and the West region is similarly not far behind.