On my first visit to Cork City I asked for directions and was told that "you could not miss it, it is up the hill".

One of the most notable features of Summerhill North is St Luke's Church, a deconsecrated Romanesque Revival Anglican church that is now a popular live music venue. The church is known for its beautiful acoustics and its intimate setting, and it has hosted a wide variety of artists over the years.

Summerhill North is also home to Gabriel House, a former convent that has been converted into very attractive rooms. The complex is located in a quiet and peaceful setting, and they offer stunning views of the city skyline.

I first started visiting Cork in 2006 but that year I stayed in a Hotel outside Cobh and it was a disaster as it rained so much that I abandoned my holiday and returned home to Dublin after three days ... my Sigma DSLR failed because of the rain and became unusable. In 2010 I stayed for a week at the Metropole on McCurtain Street and the year later at Gabriel House which I used almost every year since then with May 2023 being my most recent visit.


It is now 9 December 2023 and I began planning my city-visit schedule for 2024 and, with the exception of Kilkenny, I have failed to find suitable accommodation at prices that I am willing to pay. For about ten years I stayed at the Gabrielle House Hotel in Cork, Summerhill North, but unfortunately since my last visit in May 2023 their prices have greatly increased and they were seeking more than Euro 900 to be paid at the time of booking which does not suit me. In 2023 I paid Euro 349 for four nights and paid on arrival. I tried to book a room for four nights in May 2024 and the asking price was Euro 919 in advance. To be fair the asking price at the Maldron was Euro 1302 (payment on arrival).

[UPDATE] I visited the website and noted the following statement: "The Gabriel House has been recently taken over by a new management, which has restored the hotel back to its former glory. All rooms retain original features yet provide with modern comfort and up-to-date amenities that will charm both business and leisure guests. In addition, they can enjoy a delicious breakfast served every morning at no extra cost." I checked just now [9 December 2023] ... and was offered a room 13-16 May 2024 at a cost of Euro 600 but breakfast is Euro 14 per day extra [it should be noted that you really should get the breakfast as it will keep you going all day]. Free Cancellation before 29 April and nothing to pay until 26 April 2024. This is a change since I tried to book a few weeks ago however a number of attempts produced a variety of results.