Donegal Airbnb Owners Win Top National Design Award 2026

Fintown, County Donegal, Ireland – A Donegal couple has been recognised for creating a standout hospitality experience, winning a prestigious Airbnb Host Spotlight Award for 2026. Anna Caples and her husband, Peter Higgins, received the “Best Design Stay” award for their countryside cabin, The Hide, nestled near Glenveagh National Park.

The Hide, which overlooks the dramatic scenery of the park, was lauded by judges for its thoughtful design and high-quality finish. Anna, a milliner, and Peter, an engineer, combined their skills to create the cabin, a detail specifically highlighted by the awards panel. The cabin is located just fifteen minutes from The Wild Atlantic Way, positioning it as both a peaceful retreat and a convenient base for exploring the wider Donegal region.

This isn’t the first time the couple’s hospitality ventures have garnered attention. Anna and Peter operate three self-contained hideaways under the collective name Neadú. Their portfolio also includes the Birdbox, a unique treehouse also overlooking Glenveagh National Park, which previously earned Airbnb’s “Most Unique Stay in Ireland” title. They also offer The Cow Shed, a converted byre located on their property.

The Airbnb Host Spotlight Awards, announced on February 16, 2026, recognize Irish hosts for their contributions to guest experiences and the positive impact they have on their local communities. The awards come as rural tourism in Ireland continues to demonstrate strong growth, with nights in rural accommodation surging 88 percent between 2019 and 2024, according to Airbnb.

The recognition for The Hide underscores a broader trend of travellers seeking unique and well-designed accommodations, particularly in rural areas. The cabin’s success highlights the potential for combining creative design with a strong connection to the natural environment. The couple’s background – Anna’s millinery and Peter’s engineering expertise – appears to have been instrumental in achieving this.

The awards also reflect Airbnb’s increasing focus on promoting tourism in rural Ireland. Velma Corcoran, Director of Government Relations and Policy Campaigns at Airbnb, stated that the awards celebrate hosts’ “outstanding hospitality and commitment to the hosting community.” Corcoran emphasized the “crucial role that short term rentals play in boosting tourism in rural Ireland,” noting the “time, care and dedication invested in every listing.”

The Hide’s success story is particularly notable given the couple’s long-term connection to the area. Peter and Anna have resided in a traditional byre and stone cottage for the last eighteen years, suggesting a deep understanding of the local landscape and a commitment to preserving its character. Their transition to offering hospitality through Airbnb in 2016 demonstrates an ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and capitalize on the growing demand for unique travel experiences.

Beyond The Hide, other Irish hosts were also recognized in the 2026 awards. Breege McDonagh from County Galway received the “Most Unique Stay” award for her Luxury Truck Lodge, complete with a private pool, converted from a rally truck. Aisling from Spanish Point, County Clare, was awarded “Best Room Host” for her luxury historic home, while Sandy from County Cork earned the title of “Best New Host” with Dripsey Castle Estate, an organic property operating on renewable energy. Aidan from Ballyharren, County Wexford, was named “Community Champion” for Kilpatrick Glebe, a farm stay offering local experiences.

The Airbnb awards highlight the diverse range of hospitality offerings available in Ireland and the growing importance of short-term rentals in supporting rural economies. The success of hosts like Anna and Peter Caples demonstrates the potential for combining innovative design, a strong connection to the local environment, and a commitment to providing memorable guest experiences.