We’re delighted to partner with Airbnb’s Rural Tourism Fund, which has now doubled to €200,000.

As part of our role in the fund, VFI is supporting the Hospitality & Food category – and we’re encouraging pubs across the country to consider putting forward an application.

The fund comes at an important time for the trade. Pubs are dealing with significant pressures, and securing support for a new idea, event or tourism initiative could make a real difference. It could also help pubs attract more visitors, encourage people to stay longer in their area and create new opportunities to generate business throughout the year.

We know the level of creativity and innovation that exists within Ireland’s pub trade. From food and drink experiences to live music, local festivals, cultural events and partnerships with tourism providers, pubs are already doing a huge amount to showcase their communities and give visitors a genuine taste of Ireland.

This fund is an opportunity to take one of those ideas and bring it to life.

 

Applications are open to rural organisations, community groups, small businesses and local enterprises across the Republic of Ireland. Projects can be submitted under three categories:

• Hospitality & Food

• Outdoor & Activity

• Heritage & Arts

 

For pubs, potential projects could include developing a new visitor experience, showcasing local producers, supporting an event or festival, or creating a stronger link between the pub and the wider tourism offering in the area.

If you have an idea that could benefit your business and your local community, we would strongly encourage you to explore the opportunity and apply. Don’t assume that your idea is too small or that the fund isn’t intended for pubs — the strength of the application will be in showing what your project could deliver.

 

Applications close at 11.59pm on 16 September 2026.

Find out more and apply to the Airbnb Rural Tourism Fund