SHANDON BELLS GUEST HOUSE, Cork – A Smart Stay in the City
About the Hotel
Rooms Overview
Shandon Bells Guest House offers compact rooms with flat-screen TVs (Netflix available), tea/coffee facilities, and private bathrooms with free toiletries. Some rooms feature river or city views. Rooms are located on the ground, second, and third floors, with attic rooms having slanting ceilings. Note that upper-floor rooms are only accessible via stairs.
Dining & Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the back dining room with views of the flowing river. Nearby, the English Market in Cork-ranked among Europe's top food markets-offers fresh local produce, meats, and seafood. The Huguenot Quarter has cafés and restaurants serving Irish cuisine, including seafood specialties.
Leisure Activities
Guests can take scenic walks along the river or coastal inlets. The Jameson Bar offers whiskey tastings with a certificate for identifying selections. Nearby, the Blarney Woolen Mills sells Irish tweed and wool garments. The Old Head Golf Links in Kinsale is a short drive away.
Location & Transport
The guest house is 2.5 km from Kent Station and 10 km from Cork Airport. Cobh, a popular harbor town, is accessible by bus or train. Nearby landmarks include the Cork Butter Museum (2 km), University College Cork (1.5 km), and Cork City Gaol (3 km).
Nearby Attractions
Visit the Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone or explore the Woolen Mills for Irish souvenirs. The Opera Lane Shopping Centre and Quills boutique cater to fashion needs. The Lewis Glucksman Gallery (0.3 km) and St. Fin Barre's Cathedral (1.5 km) are also close by.
Choose the Room
Check Dates & Room Rates
Getting around
All Transportation Options at a Glance
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Housekeeping
Dining
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Special diet menus
Business
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Children's buffet
- Board games
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Leisure/ TV room
Room features
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Guest Ratings & Reviews
The hotel is in a prime location, right next to the beautiful River Lee with stunning views. The rooms were very tiny, suitable for smaller individuals, but not great for taller guests. The location was perfect, just a short walk from the vibrant center of Cork. The dining experience was superb with wonderful presentation, but might be repetitive for extended stays.
I was pleasantly surprised by my stay at the hotel. The rooms were spotless and cozy, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The service was exceptional, with staff always going the extra mile to make me feel welcome. The location was convenient, although the noise from the front entrance was a slight drawback. The dining experience was delightful, especially with the river view, and the facilities met all my needs.
My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. While the rooms were perfect for the price and had a good location for business, they felt very small and cramped without a desk. The service, especially at this BnB, was excellent with friendly and accommodating staff. The location was good and central, allowing for easy access to most attractions but could be noisy. The dining experience was wonderful, served in a lovely sunroom overlooking the River Lee. The facilities met expectations.
The hotel room was very small, with a strange layout and noise from the entrance and stairs all night long. On the positive side, the service was exceptionally friendly and accommodating. The location was perfect, close to the city center and with lovely indoor and outdoor seating options. The dining experience was superb, although a bit pricey. Overall, a mixed experience with some notable highlights and drawbacks.
I had an interesting stay at this hotel. The location was nice, just a 10-minute walk from the city center and a bonus for parking. The rooms were nicely located, overlooking the river, but the creaky stairs were a bit of a hassle. The service was friendly and kind. The dining experience was great in the sunroom with a river view, although I regretted not trying the delicious smell. The homemade cakes were a highlight. The hotel is near the University College park and Fitzgerald Park, making it convenient for exploring.
My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The room had an odd layout with a bathroom that took up a significant portion of the space, and being at the top of the house meant dealing with low vaulted ceilings. However, despite being a bit on the small side, the room was still comfortable. The service was excellent, with really friendly and helpful staff, especially the lady who welcomed me on arrival. Unfortunately, not all the staff were equally friendly. The location was ideal for us as we were there to celebrate our daughter's graduation at UCC, but we found it a bit far from the city center and ended up spending more on taxis than expected. The dining experience, though a little expensive, offered a beautiful view over the river, but the buffet was nonexistent with limited choices if you preferred something other than a cooked breakfast. Overall, the hotel suited the purpose of our trip and provided easy access to County Cork's beauty.
The B&B had a picturesque location by the river, with small terraces offering lovely views. The room size was a bit of a drawback for larger luggage but was standard overall. The service was outstanding, with helpful staff and complimentary tea and coffee on the veranda. The location was excellent, close to UCC and the city center. The dining experience was of a high standard, although heavy meals might not suit everyone's taste.
Staying at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms, despite having a sloped ceiling not ideal for tall guests, did come with a spa bath, which was a nightmare. The service was exceptional, especially during the festive period when they ensured we had freshly cooked breakfast and use of the kitchen when shops were closed. The location was convenient, just a short walk from the city center and near the university. Unfortunately, the dining options were not ideal, with greasy fried breakfasts at a higher price point.
I had a great stay at the hotel! The room had everything we needed for my girlfriend and me, and the view of the river was wonderful. However, the room was a bit tight to manoeuvre in. The service was incredible, as they rang me at least once an hour for the whole journey. The staff were amazing, very friendly, helpful, and always had a smile on their face. The location was convenient, being walking distance from the city center with a lovely veranda onto the river, though it was a bit far from Shandon Bells. The dining experience was superb, with plenty of the best coffee we had on our trip, but it was a bit overpriced for a bed and breakfast. Overall, a suitable place to stay.
The hotel offers lovely, warm, and clean rooms that are well-equipped and comfortable. Despite some creaky floorboards and dips in certain areas, the overall stay was really nice with a fantastic shower experience. I would definitely consider staying here again if in the area.
I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The rooms were cozy, comfortable, and spotless, with a lovely view facing the Lee river next to UCC. Being able to sit outside on the patio and feed the swans was such a memorable experience. The service was top-notch with very helpful staff, and the location was adorable, only a 15-minute walk to the heart of the city center.