Booking website Airbnb says it will fund restoration work and maintenance costs for historic homes in Ireland.
In this article we cover:
- What the fund is
- Who qualifies
Short stay booking website Airbnb announced it would provide funding for the maintenance and restoration of some of Ireland’s most historic homes.
It’s part of the American company’s pledge to support the preservation of unique and historically significant buildings in Europe.
The collaboration will see the launch of the Capacity Awards, although no date has been set for when it will be rolled out or how it will work.
Airbnb says the Capacity Awards will provide funds to members of Historic Houses of Ireland to develop, maintain and restore their properties.
Historic Houses of Ireland is made up of a group of historic house owners, see ihh.ie, most of which are located in rural areas.
According to Airbnb, recipients will also receive expert guidance and workshops from the company to help them understand how to showcase and maximise their properties’ potential on the platform.
Thomas Cosby, Chairman of Historic Houses of Ireland said: “We are delighted with Airbnb’s support for Historic Houses of Ireland at such a critical and exciting time for the Heritage sector in Ireland. Our members are custodians of some of the most beautiful historic houses and gardens in the country, from modest country houses, to great estates. With Airbnb’s generous support and advice, more of our members will be able to open their properties to tourism, increasing local spend and employment in their communities.”
Airbnb says it has donated €10 million to heritage associations across Europe to support the drive to restore and renovate historical attractions and homes.
Recent research commissioned by Airbnb from Oxford Economics shows that in 2022, while Airbnb related economic activity in Dublin was valued at over €150 million, activity in Kerry and Cork were valued at over €110 million.
The research shows that nights spent in the southwest are now on par with nights spent in Dublin, and the West region is similarly not far behind.
