Waterloo House, Ballyorgan Announced as Winner of 2025 Airbnb & Historic Houses of Ireland Capacity Award

Ballyhoura is celebrating today as Waterloo House in Ballyorgan, Co. Limerick, has been announced as a winner of the 2025 Airbnb & Historic Houses of Ireland Capacity Award, recognising exceptional stewardship of Ireland’s built heritage.

Built in 1817 as the Rectory to Kilflynn Church, Waterloo House stands proudly at the foot of Seefin Mountain, one of the iconic Ballyhoura peaks. With its graceful Georgian proportions, elegant reception rooms, and mature grounds, the house has been a familiar landmark for generations.

Kate Longmate and Richard Stubbings have been dedicated to restoring the property with care and purpose. The Capacity Award funding will support infrastructural works towards transforming the existing barn into visitor accommodation, as well as exploring future development of the grounds as a small events and wedding venue.

These developments would complement Ballyorgan’s growing rural tourism offering and strengthen the wider Ballyhoura destination’s appeal for heritage visitors, walkers, wedding parties, and those seeking authentic experiences connected to landscape and place.

Speaking about the award, Kate Longmate of Waterloo House, said:

“We’re so grateful for the recognition and support from Airbnb and Historic Houses of Ireland. This funding will help us take the steps needed to safely open Waterloo House for visitors and potentially events. Our dream is to see this beautiful old rectory and its grounds once again filled with life, contributing to the vitality of Ballyorgan and the wider Ballyhoura region.”

The Ballyhoura region extends warm congratulations to Kate and Richard on this well-deserved honour. Waterloo House is set to play a meaningful role in the future of rural tourism in the area - blending heritage, landscape, and warm Ballyhoura hospitality.

Learn more at waterloohouseballyorgan.ie.