Local Airbnb awarded 'Best Room Host'

A local Airbnb host has been awarded 'Best Room Host' for her beautiful private room stay in a period country house in Westmeath just a short drive to several lakes, including the legendary Children of Lir's, Lake Derravaragh.

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.

The country house dates back to1869 and it's a warm, cosy home, full of character and charm.

With the year coming to a close, Airbnb revealed Ireland’s top hosts for 2023. 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.

General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, Amanda Cupples, 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.”

The Birdbox Treehouse in Donegal hosted by Pete and Anna received the accolade for '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.

Pete and Anna said: “Over the years, we’ve had the absolute pleasure of meeting so many lovely, interesting guests, some we now call friends. We love seeing guests leave their stay looking visibly more relaxed than when they arrived. The Birdbox is a one of a kind handcrafted treehouse nestled between mature Scots pine and oak trees and with beautiful views of Glenveagh National Park in Co. Donegal. It was designed and built by ourselves on a small footprint and clad in reclaimed timber to be sympathetic to it's surroundings. We’re delighted to be the winners of the Most Unique Stay.”