Airbnb Rural Tourism Fund

Why should the DSP win this funding round?

The Doherty Sculpture Park is more than a cultural initiative—it’s a visionary project poised to transform Ireland’s artistic and economic landscape. Rooted in Kildare’s rich natural terrain and creative heritage, the park brings together contemporary sculpture, community engagement, and sustainable tourism in a uniquely compelling way. With an anticipated €5 million annual impact on the local economy, the DSP directly supports small businesses, artists, and rural vitality. Its inclusive programming and commitment to cultural regeneration make it a model of creative placemaking. Winning this funding round would empower a project that blends beauty, purpose, and meaningful legacy—enriching not only its region, but Ireland’s identity on the world stage.

Why is securing this funding essential at this pivotal early stage of development?

The Doherty Sculpture Park is facing a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: while it holds immense potential for cultural and economic impact, the project requires initial seed funding to unlock the structural milestones necessary for growth. Without foundational support, it's difficult to secure planning permission, assemble stakeholder commitments, or fully prepare for the upcoming Fáilte Ireland tourism scheme—which itself depends on certain prerequisites already being in place. This early fund would break that cycle, allowing the company to lay the groundwork, formalize its operating model, and position itself competitively for larger-scale public investment. It’s a pivotal moment where modest support can catalyze transformational outcomes.

How will the DSP support the local economy of Athy?

The Doherty Sculpture Park (DSP) offers a powerful opportunity to invigorate the local economy by blending public art with place-based tourism and community activation.

The Doherty Sculpture Park presents a transformative opportunity for economic growth in Kildare and the surrounding region. By drawing domestic and international visitors to a high-quality cultural destination, the project will directly stimulate spending across accommodation, dining, retail, and local transport. Seasonal programming, artist commissions, and community-led events will generate consistent economic activity and create new employment opportunities—not only within the park but across the wider hospitality and services sector. With an estimated €5 million annual uplift to the local economy, DSP offers a scalable and sustainable model for rural regeneration through cultural tourism. Securing this early-stage funding would unlock planning readiness and position the project to leverage larger investment sources, including the upcoming Fáilte Ireland scheme—catalyzing long-term value from day one.

DSP is being supported by Failte Ireland

Fáilte Ireland’s early support for the Doherty Sculpture Park (DSP) has been pivotal in helping the project move from vision to actionable development. Recognizing DSP’s potential to become a landmark cultural destination, Fáilte Ireland has already invested in strategic planning—specifically, by funding a dedicated consultant valued at €7,000 to assist during the crucial initial phase.

This expert guidance is helping shape key components like project feasibility, visitor experience design, and long-term tourism impact—essential groundwork for a successful application to larger funding schemes. It also demonstrates Fáilte Ireland’s confidence in the park’s ability to generate meaningful economic and cultural returns. Their involvement not only lends credibility to the project, but also ensures that it is being built on a foundation aligned with national tourism objectives and best practice in destination development.

The Doherty Sculpture Park (DSP) is currently preparing to apply for a major capital development grant of €2.4 million at the end of 2025. This upcoming funding opportunity represents a critical step in the park’s long-term growth strategy, enabling the realization of Phase 2 and 3 of its development—from large-scale sculpture installations and infrastructure build-out to immersive visitor programming and tourism activation.

To ensure readiness, DSP is actively working to secure early-stage seed funding and planning permissions, laying the groundwork for a strong and competitive application. The team is engaged in feasibility studies, community stakeholder alignment, and strategic development in partnership with advisors, including support from Fáilte Ireland.

By the end of 2025, the DSP will be well-positioned to present a compelling case for investment—demonstrating its potential to regenerate rural Ireland, stimulate the local economy, and become a flagship cultural destination. This €2.4 million grant will act as a catalytic boost, allowing the project to scale impact and deliver on its transformative vision.