Louth groups urged to apply to Airbnb Rural Tourism Fund
.jpeg?trim=234,0,374,0&crop=&width=640&quality=70&enable=upscale)
Airbnb has launched the second year of its Rural Tourism Fund, doubling the funding to €200,000 to support locally led rural tourism projects and visitor experiences across the country, with Louth locals encouraged to apply
Airbnb has today launched the second year of Ireland’s Rural Tourism Fund, doubling its support to locally led projects and organisations that help visitors discover rural Ireland, and strengthen rural communities, to €200,000.
The fund is open to community groups, rural tourism organisations, small businesses and local enterprises across the Republic of Ireland.
Applications are open across three categories, Outdoor & Activity, Heritage & Arts, and Hospitality & Food. To support the fund, Airbnb has partnered with Ireland's Association for Adventure Tourism, Historic Houses of Ireland and Vintners' Federation of Ireland. Applications are now open and will close on 16 September 2026.
Launching ahead of National Heritage Week (15-23 August), Airbnb said rural tourism plays a vital role in preserving Ireland’s heritage, supporting local jobs, and sharing the benefits of tourism beyond major cities. Airbnb said it continues to champion rural tourism, with 71% of bookings in Ireland taking place in predominantly rural areas*.
By helping visitors discover unique, off-the-beaten-track places and experiences, the fund aims to boost small communities, support cultural landmarks, and ensure regional economies continue to thrive.
Speaking at the launch, Velma Corcoran, Director of Government Relations and Policy Campaigns at Airbnb said: "We're delighted to launch the second year of Airbnb's Rural Tourism Fund — doubling the funding to €200,000 after last year's incredible response from communities across Ireland.
“Rural tourism is at the heart of what makes Ireland unique, and with the vast majority of Airbnb listings in Ireland located in rural destinations, we see first-hand the role it plays in supporting local communities.”
Airbnb said that the fund showcases the role of rural tourism in driving regional competitiveness, SME resilience, sustainability and community-led innovation - all themes of Ireland’s current Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Investment into these lesser known destinations means communities that typically wouldn’t benefit from tourism footfall receive an economic lifeline.