Two glamping sites in County Laois have been awarded a combined €550,000 in funding under Fáilte Ireland’s Private and Community SME Scheme, a program backed by the EU Just Transition Fund.
The funding aims to support sustainable tourism projects, with a focus on enhancing Ireland’s rural tourism infrastructure.
Emo Court Glamping will receive €300,000 to develop luxury eco-glamping huts, including one designed for wheelchair accessibility, according to a report by Laios Nationalist.
The project has already secured planning permission for three standalone pod units at the Gate Lodge, which is currently available as a short-term rental.
According to local officials, the addition of these glamping pods is expected to further bolster the appeal of Emo Court, a key tourist attraction in County Laois.
Making Tracks, a glamping site located at Ballybrophy House, has been awarded €250,000 to expand its accommodations, which include colorful cabins and traditional horse-drawn wagons.
The business promotes itself as offering “a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors in the midlands of Ireland, with all the comforts of home.”
Both projects fall under the second category of Fáilte Ireland’s investment scheme, which focuses on the development of sustainable tourism experiences.
These investments are part of a broader €2.9 million funding package distributed among 17 projects nationwide.
“It marks the first announcement of successful projects under the Private and Community SME scheme, which closed on 13 January 2025 after receiving 170 applications,” Fáilte Ireland stated.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, these grants highlight the growing emphasis on sustainability and accessibility within Ireland’s tourism landscape.
With consumer demand increasing for eco-conscious and experiential stays, operators seeking to expand or modernize their offerings may find opportunities in government-backed funding initiatives.
The announcement also underscores the potential benefits of aligning business models with national tourism strategies that prioritize sustainability and rural economic development.
More projects are expected to be announced in the coming months as Fáilte Ireland continues evaluating applications.