Hidden Kilkenny getaway scoops big win at Airbnb’s Irish Spotlight Awards
With the year coming to a close, Airbnb has revealed Ireland’s top hosts for 2023 - and a Kilkenny home features among the prizewinners.
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.
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.
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”