Shandon Bells Guest House Cork Nearby photoShandon Bells Guest House Cork Exterior photoShandon Bells Guest House Cork Exterior photo

Shandon Bells Guest House – A Favorite for Families in Cork

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Check rooms and rates
From$87 /night
Check-in
31Aug
Check-out
01Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Western Road, Cork
-
Close to Elizabeth Fort
Great
8.0
/10
3.6
4.0
/5

Bed & Breakfast on the River Lee, with private fishing and free on-site parking

Location & Overview

Shandon Bells Guest House is on the banks of the River Lee, less than a minute's walk from the main entrance of University College Cork. The famous English Market is a 10-minute walk away, and St Patrick's Street shops and restaurants are 15 minutes on foot. On-site parking is free, with additional secured spots in a car park a few metres from the property at University Place Car Park.

Rooms & Amenities

Each room has a wall-mounted LCD TV with satellite channels, a private bathroom with hairdryer, and tea/coffee facilities with welcome sweets. Some rooms offer river views, and the property provides a communal lounge area with a microwave, fridge, and water cooler for guest use. Family rooms are available, and board games and puzzles are on hand for younger guests.

Dining

Breakfast is served in a dining room overlooking the River Lee, with an outdoor terrace for warmer days. Guests can order a full Irish breakfast or choose from a buffet, with cooked-to-order options and special diet menus available upon request. A coffee house is on site, and the bar offers additional beverages in the evenings.

Services & Facilities

The guest house provides an electric vehicle charging station on site and a secured car park a few metres away for overflow parking. Express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, and private check-in/check-out are available for guest convenience. A bar, outdoor sun terrace, and garden seating complement the shared lounge and TV area.

Activities & Nearby Attractions

Guests have access to private fishing on the River Lee directly from the property. Fitzgerald Park and Cork Public Museum are within a short walking distance, and the city's bus stops are nearby for quick access to Cork city centre. The communal atmosphere encourages interaction, and the riverfront setting provides a calm base for exploring Cork.

Highlights

Location: River Lee banks, less than 1 minute from UCC main entrance

Parking: Free on-site and secured car park at University Place

Fishing: Private fishing on the River Lee from the property

Dining: Full Irish breakfast with river view and dietary accommodations

Amenities: Electric vehicle charging station on site

Nearby: 10-minute walk to English Market

“The Shandon Bells Guest House presents an inviting prospect, particularly for those drawn to Cork's riverside charm and cultural attractions. Its location along the River Lee, combined with the promise of a hearty Irish breakfast, creates a welcoming atmosphere, and the personalized service appears to set it apart; I think the in-house fishing activities and communal dining room could especially appeal to guests seeking a more intimate experience.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
  • Deluxe Double Room
    2 persons
    15 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Triple Room
    2 persons
    20 sq. feet
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Twin Room
    2 persons
    10 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score

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
Show more

Shandon Bells Guest House Location

Western Road, Cork
Explore Cork
Explore Cork: Nearby Activities and Dining
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Lewis Glucksman Gallery
Lewis Glucksman Gallery
2 minutes walking
Contemporary art gallery showcasing local and international artists. Free admission, making it a perfect stop for art lovers.
Crawford Art Gallery
Crawford Art Gallery
25 minutes walking
Home to a fine collection of Irish and European art. Features a café and free tours on Thursdays, ideal for culture enthusiasts.
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
20 minutes walking
Gothic revival cathedral known for its stunning architecture and intricate stained glass. Open to visitors with guided tours available.
Cork City Gaol
Cork City Gaol
40 minutes walking
Historic prison offering insights into Cork's past. Interactive exhibits and guided tours provide a unique perspective on Irish history.
Biking at Lough Wildlife Sanctuary
5 minutes driving
Biking paths through scenic nature. Rentals available nearby; a great outing for families and adventurous travelers.
Yoga at Bishop Lucey Park
15 minutes walking
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions often held in the park. Perfect for those looking to unwind in a tranquil environment.
Safia's
1 minute walking
Casual dining with Mediterranean flavors. Specializes in fresh ingredients and vegetarian options; perfect for a quick bite.
Joe's and Bros
8 minutes walking
Popular burger spot with a vibrant atmosphere. Known for gourmet burgers and local craft beers, ideal for casual dining.
Cork Opera House
Cork Opera House
25 minutes walking
Venue for live performances including concerts and theatre. Family-friendly shows and vibrant nightlife events throughout the week.
Cork City Hall
Cork City Hall
19 minutes walking
Regular host for exhibitions and concerts. Visitors can attend events showcasing local artists and cultural celebrations.
Tips on navigating the city
  • City Centre
    Cork 16 min  ·  4300 ft
  • Airports
    Cork (ORK) 12 min  ·  4.7 mi
    Kerry (KIR) 152 min  ·  63.0 mi
  • Train
    Kent Railway Station 28 min  ·  1.4 mi
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-21:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of EUR 15.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Bulgarian, Mongolian, Tagalog / Filipino
Number of rooms:
21

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Shandon Bells Guest House enjoys a great location near UCC and within a 15-20 minute walk to the city center. Many guests appreciate the spacious rooms and the convenience of included parking. Some found the initial check-in process challenging when arriving late. Several rooms offer great views of the river, and amenities like Netflix are a welcome addition for many.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 1568 verified reviews
7.7 /10
Very good
79 %
Recommend
Staff
8.9/10
Location
8.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.8/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Excellent location
Comfortable bed
Good breakfast
Friendly staff
Cons
Limited parking
Noisy guests
Guest reviews
based on 1568 reviews
7.7/10
based on 3839 reviews
8.0/10
Molly from Ireland
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 20, 2025
8.5/10

great little hotel

friendly staff good coffee free parking
The staff was friendly and helpful. breakfast was really good with strong coffee. the location was convenient. i really liked the parking arrangement. It was free and made things easier.
the room faced the main road. there was considerable noise from car alarms and traffic, which affected sleep quality. black-out blinds would really help the street lights were quite bright.
Service
9/10
The team provided quick directions and assistance. They always seemed happy to help. the service was available throughout my visit, providing constant support whenever needed by the visitors.
Dining
8/10
the breakfast included fresh items. the strong coffee provided a pleasant way to start the day. there was a pizza place located across the street from the hotel, offering a nearby dining option too.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Paul from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 25, 2025
6/10
dated decor musty smell
the staff was helpful and fresh towels looked daily.
the bedroom decor seemed dated and i detected a musty smell (not pleasant). i found no accessible sockets or lamps near the bed, inconvenient. the kettle cord barely reached an outlet without placing it on the floor.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Shandon Bells Guest House
What time is check-in and check-out at Shandon Bells Guest House?
Check-in is after 14:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
What is the closest landmark to Shandon Bells Guest House?
The main entrance of University College Cork is less than a minute's walk from the hotel.
How far is Shandon Bells Guest House from Cork city centre?
The hotel is located 5 km from Cork city centre.
Is parking available at Shandon Bells Guest House?
Free on-site parking is available, along with additional secured parking just a few metres away.
What are some dining options near Shandon Bells Guest House?
Nearby restaurants include Fernroyd House (0.5 km), Killarney Guest House (0.5 km), and Cafe Depeche (2 km).
What room amenities are available at Shandon Bells Guest House?
Rooms include Wi-Fi, LCD TVs with satellite channels, tea/coffee making facilities, and private bathrooms.
Is breakfast available at Shandon Bells Guest House?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 EUR and includes options like a hearty full Irish breakfast.
What activities are available at Shandon Bells Guest House?
Guests can enjoy private fishing on the River Lee right by the hotel.
Which nearby attractions can be visited from Shandon Bells Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Fitzgerald Park (2 km) and the English Market (1 km).
What type of hotel is Shandon Bells Guest House?
It is a charming Bed & Breakfast located on the banks of the River Lee.
What languages do the staff at Shandon Bells Guest House speak?
The staff primarily speaks English.
Is there a bar or lounge area at Shandon Bells Guest House?
The hotel features a bar and lounge area for guests to relax.

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