Airbnb Rural Tourism Grant Winner — Aughrim in Glass: Light through the Landscape

I’m delighted to share that Aughrim Tidy Towns has been awarded funding from the Airbnb Rural Tourism Fund to create a new permanent public artwork for the village — and I’ll be leading the project as lead glass artist and facilitator.

Celebrating Aughrim’s Landscape and Heritage

The piece, Aughrim in Glass — Light through the Landscape, will celebrate the village’s biodiversity, Irish language, and cultural heritage. It will be crafted in glass and set on locally sourced Wicklow granite, reflecting Aughrim’s proud identity as “The Granite City.”

A Community-Led Creation

Community involvement is at the heart of this project. Through creative workshops with local schools and residents, we’ll shape the design together — drawing inspiration from shared stories, symbols, and the native wildlife that makes this landscape so special.

A Bright Moment for Aughrim

Chosen from over 700 applicants nationwide, Aughrim is one of just eleven projects recognised by Airbnb’s fund this year. The final artwork will become a welcoming focal point for locals and visitors alike — a place to pause, reflect, and enjoy the light.

I’ll share updates as the project unfolds — and hopefully see you at the community launch.

— Bianca