Gabriel House Guesthouse

We have been thrilled with Gabriel House B&B. The staff is wonderful, the location great (after you scale the hill), breakfast very well done and the room wonderful. It’s close to great restaurants and local transportation, including the train station if you want to take a day trip to Cobh or the FOTA wildlife park (well worth seeing). We took a day trip to Kinsale which was easy using the 226 bus that frequently leaves from the bus station which is also a short walk from the B&B. The gardens are a calm place for a respite after a busy day and are the most expansive I’ve seen. You can take a walk down the path to see the birds and chickens and look at the river and there are both indoor and outdoor options. If arriving by bus or train with luggage, I’d recommend taking a taxi or getting a local bus to go up the hill. The 207 or 208 takes you up and, if you go to the stop past Gabriel House, it’s an easy walk down the hill to their location.

I had a wonderful stay at Gabriel House and the breakfast was delicious. The staff and in particular Valerie who was a wonderful lady and even dropped me back into town to pick up my car! She went above and beyond, next time I'm down in Cork I'll be staying here again.

This was my second time staying here - I chose it primarily for location as it’s a short walk from the train station but also a short walk from the city centre. The room was more than fine for a guesthouse in this price range but what prompts my review is my experience with breakfast. Because I needed to catch an early train on departure I wasn’t sure I’d have time for breakfast. When I mentioned this in passing to the manageress on duty she simply wouldn’t hear of me facing a long journey without a nourishing breakfast. She took my order in advance and assured me the chef would have it ready when the dining room opened at 8am. I’m very glad she persuaded me as it was superb. I had ordered Eggs Benedict and it was delicious. Apart from a wide range of freshly cooked options there was also an excellent buffet. All in all, they couldn’t have looked after me any better and I really appreciated it.

Nice property a few minutes away from the city centre. A small hotel very well organised with a special mention to Valerie for making us feel welcome and at home. The breakfast was exceptional. Lots of choice on the menu, freshly cooked to order. Also plenty on the buffet with pastries, cakes, cheese, fruits, ham, juices,cereals... The coffee was very good, has to be said ! Nice outdoor area also. The family room was a little bit on the small size and noisy in the morning with the cleaning staff talking just outside our door before 8am. But overall a very pleasant stay.

Ireland: Our stay at Gabriel Guest House had a mix of ups and downs. Unfortunately, parking was a challenge, which can add stress after a long day on the road. When we arrived in November, the room was very cold, but thankfully, the receptionist was kind enough to come up and help us turn on the heat. However, the heat switched off during the night, leaving us cold again with no one on duty to help. Despite ringing the bell, I couldn't find anyone to assist, which was disappointing. The room had charming, old-world decor, which added a classy feel. However, there were some concerning cleanliness issues, with spots on the sheets that really detracted from the experience. The lack of an elevator also made navigating the space with luggage difficult. On the positive side, the receptionist was warm, welcoming, and did their best to address our needs, which I appreciated. It’s a lovely old building, but with a few improvements, especially with heating and cleanliness, it could offer a much more comfortable stay.

Location, location, location! Gabriel House is close to the train station and within easy walking distance to bridges across the River Lee that take you to the centre of Cork. In fact, Gabriel House overlooks the train station and can be accessed up a flight of steps (about 80 or so) from the road. The property is on a hill, which gives a grand view of Cork, but would be difficult for those with mobility issues unless they have a car. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the bottom of the hill up the street to Gabriel House. My group of friends (7 all together and mainly seniors) loved our stay! The walk “home” each day was part of our fitness regimen. Gabriel House is outstanding in many respects: friendly and helpful staff; gorgeous grounds with green lawns and patios to sit and enjoy drinks while taking in the city views; chicken coops housing the hens that produce our breakfast eggs; and wonderful, plentiful breakfasts! There’s also a sauna and a guest lounge in a cabin outside the main building. If ever I return to Cork, I would gladly stay at Gabriel House again!