The B&B Experience: A Stay in Ireland’s Grey Gables Farmhouse

A stay in one of Ireland’s many bed & breakfasts offers not only an affordable accommodation option, but also a truly authentic experience with the host and other guests, one-of-a-kind rooms and gorgeous views of the Irish countryside. It’s a stay you’ll remember forever, one that connects you to the heart and soul of Ireland—its people! If you’re hoping to spend time as a local may, we encourage you to add a B&B to your itinerary. The hosts also serve as great tour guides and will give you the inside scoop for the best photo ops, tours, restaurants and other must-hit stops.

Karen O’Conner of B&B Ireland recommends Grey Gables Bed & Breakfast in County Cork. Below, she details the charm of the country home and introduces us to the owners who have built such a tranquil and lovely getaway.

Nestled in West Cork is the beautiful Grey Gables Farmhouse. Only 10 miles from Cork Airport, this beautiful setting is home to Janet and George Quinn, wonderful B&B owners who have been in the business for many years. Grey Gables Farmhouse was opened by Janet’s parents over fifty years ago! Alongside their family farm, Janet’s mum and dad renovated and started the bed & breakfast as they loved working together and meeting people from all over the world, they felt they never needed to travel the world, as the world came to them.

Janet, who grew up in the bed & breakfast, enjoyed growing up among lots of comings and goings and meeting people from all over the world. She and George were delighted to take over the business when the time arrived. The pair put their own stamp on the B&B—it is beautifully decorated, with the perfect combination of old charm and contemporary comforts. Janet is an avid baker, baking beautiful, scones, breads and muffins for her guests. Her reviews are full of wonderful praise for her breakfasts and home baked goods: a real morning treat! 

What’s so special about staying in a bed & breakfast in Ireland? There is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to stay and learn about Irish family life. Some of the most enjoyable experiences include the welcome when you arrive, the wonderful food and interactions with your host, plus the unique, historic home. You will get a lovely glimpse into Irish family life and the warmth of the people in the comfort of their home. The hosts are experts in their area and are happy to share their local knowledge. Janet is great at helping her guests find the best onward routes and the best picturesque, unforgettable sights.

One of Grey Gables’ recent reviews says it all:

Janet was a gracious host at their beautiful home. Grey Gables was our first B&B that we stayed at on our journey in Ireland. Actually it was the first B&B that my wife and I had ever stayed at. Janet made us feel very welcome. Janet is very organized, giving choices for times to eat so that we did not have to wait on breakfast. Breakfast began with a wonderful stewed rhubarb dish with strawberries that was quite tasty. This was followed by creamy porridge and an Irish Breakfast. We were stuffed at the end of the meal. I had planned a route to our next destination. However, Janet gave us a map with suggestions on where to go to get to our next destination. I am so thankful for her recommendations as the views were absolutely breath-taking. My wife and I can’t wait to return to Ireland. We will definitely be staying again at Grey Gables. Next time we will stay more than one night. I cannot thank Janet enough for our stay. It was absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend staying at Grey Gables.

While this lovely home may feel hidden away from the rest of the world, it’s not far from the city of Cork and other quintessential Ireland attractions. After breakfast at Grey Gables, you may head to the medieval Blarney Castle and explore its wandering stairwells, ancient stone walls and even kiss the infamous stone for the gift of gab.

Not far, either, is Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the perfect coastal route with some of the most breathtaking cliff and sea views the country has to offer. This route is perfect for a leisurely self-drive travel option as you can go at your own pace, stop for photos (or the occasional sheep herd!) and arrive at your next overnight stop when it suits you.

You can stay in Grey Gables Farmhouse and other B&B properties across the country! Bed & breakfasts are located throughout Ireland, in towns, cities, country and farm locations. When building your tour with us, we can easily add a stay in one of these most unforgettable B&Bs. You’ll leave feeling connected to the land, culture (and even fellow travelers) like never before. Browse our inspirational Ireland itineraries below to get started!