Celebrating 50 years at Grey Gables Farmhouse B&B

Grey Gables Farmhouse, Kinsale in Co Cork along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

It all began in 1968 when my parents, Eleanor and Victor, as a young couple had a dream. My father wanted a little land to go along with his job and my mother’s dream was to run a B&B. She had trained in Dublin in Culinary Arts so she was looking forward to meeting and greeting her guests, and putting her cooking skills to great use.

They found Grey Gables, which was a rundown farmhouse with seven acres, which was later extended to 30 acres. They put in long hours of hard work and dedication, renovating Grey Gables into a wonderful six-bedroom Bed and Breakfast. They opened their doors in April 1970, welcoming guests mostly from the UK and Northern Ireland, with most staying for 1 to 2 weeks at a time and many returning the following year.

Grey Gables Farmhouse B&B, Kinsale, Co Cork

I remember many happy days rising early to help my mother prepare and serve breakfast to guests, followed by various duties, such as making the beds, tidying rooms, ironing clothes and preparing a 3-course evening meal. We did squeeze in a little sunshine in the garden for about one hour in the day!

Working Farm

My father milked his cows in the morning, went to his job in Cork City, and came home in the evening, helped with the dinner preparations before milking his cows again. For me and my two siblings, these times hold lovely memories. Of course, we all left home and married, which gave more bedroom space for guests.

Moving on, my mother passed away 14 years ago and my father continued running the B&B by himself. He passed on the baton to me and my husband George in 2017, when we bought Grey Gables and adjoining land from him. We have brought the house up to a very comfortable standard today. We have been delighted to welcome so many lovely people from all over the world and we look forward to welcoming so many more.