Fáilte Ireland Backed Sustainable Tourist Accommodation - The Old Coach House - Opens in Tullamore

The Old Coach House, a new sustainable tourist accommodation offering, has been officially opened in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

The project was awarded €300,000 in investment funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition fund.

The Old Coach House invested a further €308,000 in the development bringing the total investment to €608,000.

The newly redeveloped Old Coach House represents an important addition to Offaly's tourism offering, providing new high-quality visitor accommodation in the heart of Tullamore, enhancing the destination for both domestic and international visitors exploring Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.

Originally dating back to the 18th century, the building has been carefully restored and transformed into a contemporary self-catering accommodation experience.

The redevelopment has created accommodation for up to 10 guests through two loft-style apartments within the restored Coach House and three self-contained accommodation pods, including one fully accessible pod. Sustainable and recycled materials were used throughout the redevelopment, ensuring the building's heritage is protected while meeting modern accommodation standards.

The redevelopment preserves the building's historic character while creating a unique place for visitors to stay and explore Tullamore and the wider Midlands region.

Tourism Minister Peter Burke said: "This project is another strong example of how investment through the EU Just Transition Fund is supporting sustainable economic development across the Midlands and helping communities realise their tourism potential. 

"The restoration and repurposing of this important historic building demonstrate how heritage assets can be reimagined to create new opportunities for enterprise, employment and regional growth. Projects such as The Old Coach House not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the long-term renewal and revitalisation of town centres by attracting investment, supporting local businesses and encouraging more people to visit and spend time in the region."