Airbnb Rural Tourism Fund Offers Grants of Up to €20,000
Airbnb has launched a €200,000 Rural Tourism Fund to support projects that strengthen rural tourism and deliver wider benefits to communities across Ireland. Grants of up to €20,000 are available to local organisations and groups working to create memorable visitor experiences while supporting rural communities and local economies.
The fund is particularly interested in initiatives that encourage visitors to explore rural Ireland throughout the year. Projects could focus on outdoor activities and experiences, such as walking trails, cycling routes, water sports and adventure tourism; heritage and the arts, including festivals, traditional crafts, historic sites and local stories; or hospitality and food, supporting local producers and experiences that showcase the character of rural Ireland.
The scheme is open to a range of organisations, including community groups, social enterprises, cultural and heritage organisations and small businesses. Projects must be based in rural Ireland, or contribute to rural tourism beyond Ireland’s major cities. The fund is intended to support initiatives that provide tangible benefits to local communities as well as visitors. Projects involving the development or improvement of accommodation are not eligible.
Previous recipients have included projects focused on e-bike tourism, heritage and public art, demonstrating the range of initiatives that can receive support. The funding can help organisations improve visitor experiences, encourage people to explore local areas and generate benefits for surrounding communities and businesses.
Applications for the 2026 fund are open until 23:59 on 16 September 2026, with funding expected to be awarded in December. Applicants should demonstrate how their project will contribute to rural tourism while delivering meaningful benefits for the local community.
Full details available here.