Dunbrody Country House Hotel

Delicious (rich) food in a delightful location not far from the spectacular Hook Head peninsula; served by polite and engaging staff. Not cheap; in fact expensive but well worth an indulgent break. To be thoroughly recommended. 4.5 out of 5

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel compelled to share my experience with Dunbrodie House Hotel so that future guests are aware of the hotel's disappointing stance on customer care. Earlier this year, I booked a two-night bed-and-breakfast stay using a Blue Book voucher — a retirement gift from my colleagues. Just a few miles away from the hotel on the day of check-in, I received an emergency call from my daughter: our young grandson had fallen seriously ill and was being rushed to hospital by ambulance. I called the hotel immediately to explain that we would not be able to check in under such distressing circumstances. I was told I would forfeit the full value of the booking (€660) as the cancellation was too late. I later emailed the manager asking — not for a refund — but simply to reschedule the booking at an off-peak time, as a gesture of basic compassion. After several emails, I was "offered" the same package again for a further €560 which would mean our two- night stay would cost us €1,220. I was shocked at the coldness and inflexibility of this response. While I understand policies are in place for a reason, many hotels demonstrate kindness when emergencies arise. Sadly, Dunbrodie House chose not to. It felt both unsympathetic and needlessly rigid, especially considering the booking was made using a meaningful gift voucher. It’s a beautiful property, but I cannot recommend it to anyone who values humanity and basic understanding in customer service. I sincerely hope the management rethinks how they treat guests during genuine emergencies.

BEWARE if you need to reschedule or cancel with this hotel. Booked a weekend away with family( 4 adults) as a gift. Unfortunately i had to cancel (was hoping to reschedule) due to a family member being extremely unwell in hospital. So on the Tuesday before our stay, which was on the Friday, my husband phoned the hotel to reschedule but got no answer, so left a voicemail. He tried again to make contact on the Wednesday, again no answer so he followed up with an email on the Thursday about rescheduling. Of course he got a response to this email as it was 24 hrs. before our stay to be told they need 72 hrs notice to reschedule or cancel or we would be liable to pay the full amount. Given the fact that he tried on the Tuesday to reschedule, which would have allowed enough time due to their cancellation policy, we were extremely disappointed and annoyed resulting in him arguing the point of no call back from the hotel on the Tuesday or Wednesday, he was told if they sell the room, at this point it’s less than 24 hrs, we would only be liable to pay €600. Of course we got a call on the Saturday to say they didn’t sell the room and were liable to pay the full amount for four adults I am extremely disappointed and annoyed. Given the fact that my family member was in critical care and was a genuine reason, no effort or understanding was had and personally I think it’s very bad for business I will never stay here again nor will I recommend it to anyone. Disgraceful