Airbnb rolls out ‘experiences’ service in Kerry

TRAVEL website Airbnb are expanding their popular holiday ‘experience’ service into Kerry.

Airbnb Experiences, which first launched globally in 2016 before being introduced in Dublin last May, are described as “immersive activities” that are “crafted and led by local experts”.

In the last week the global web-based home-sharing giant announced the nationwide expansion of that offering, with over 60 new ‘Experiences’ in Kerry, Cork and other regions, meaning some 160 are now offered in total throughout Ireland.

Among the ‘experiences’ on offer in Kerry are guided hikes on Mount Brandon and Cathair Con Raoi; landscape and nature painting in Castlecove; walking tours on the Dingle Peninsula and Slea head and kayaking on the lakes of Killarney.

Airbnb said that host submissions are now open across all of Ireland for people to submit their own unique Experience ideas for their area.

Tourism Minister Brendan Griffin welcomed the expansion of the service.

“The expansion of Airbnb Experiences will help to boost tourism outside of Dublin by attracting more people to rural and regional Ireland to experience the many fascinating cultural activities this country has to offer,” said Minister Griffin.

“Airbnb Experiences creates new economic opportunities by allowing people to unlock their passions, talents and interests and make money from them, catering to visitors seeking unique and authentic travel experiences in Ireland,” he said.

Airbnb Ireland’s Aisling Hassell said ‘experiences’ open up a world of opportunities for tourists and hosts.

“The popularity of Airbnb continues to grow outside of Dublin. People want to experience a place like the locals do, and the expansion of experiences across Ireland is a reflection of that,” she said.

“Travellers using Airbnb in Ireland can now unearth a variety of hidden gems curated by locals themselves, and see the true character of the country through the eyes of the people who live there,” said Ms Hassell.