Inishowen Gateway Hotel

Hotels
8.7 (1601 reviews)
Railway Road , Buncrana , ie

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Clean room
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff
Great location
Spacious room
Cons:
Poor bar service
Long wait times for food
Noisy corridors
High breakfast costs

Categories

Cleanliness
8.31
The room was very clean, but overall cleanliness was impacted by noise and disturbance from children and other guests.
Service
9.08
Staff were mostly friendly and accommodating, but there were some significant service delays, especially in dining.
Location
9.32
Great location noted in multiple reviews, appealing to both families and tourists.
Room Quality
9.27
Spacious and comfortable rooms, contributing to a positive experience.
Amenities
8.8
Good amenities including a swimming pool and bar, though vending services could improve.
Value for Money
8.06
Some food prices considered high relative to quality; breakfast less than expected.
Food and Beverage
7.81
Mixed reviews on food quality with some particularly negative experiences regarding bar service.
Overall Experience
8.98
Overall a good experience, but marred by service delays and some disappointing food experiences.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 06:59

Property Description

Luxury Spa and Pool
Indulge in relaxation at the luxury spa and 20-metre pool, offering a range of beauty treatments and wellness facilities.

Gourmet Dining
Experience the best of Irish cuisine at the modern Irish restaurant and Peninsula Restaurant, serving creative dishes with local produce.

Scenic Views and Golf
Enjoy picturesque views of Lough Swilly from colourful bedrooms, and take advantage of free golfing at the nearby Buncrana Golf Course.

Experience luxury, relaxation, and culinary delights at The Inishowen Gateway Hotel. Book now for an unforgettable stay.

Important information:

Guests are kindly asked to book at reception to go golfing.

During quieter months the Peninsula Restaurant may be closed and dinner served in Lough View Bar.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: LDY

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for € 20 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.7
Based on 1601 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.31
Service: 9.08
Location: 9.32
Room Quality: 9.27
Amenities: 8.8
Value for Money: 8.06
Food and Beverage: 7.81
Overall Experience: 8.98
A
Ailisa couple gb
10
2026-07-03 via Nuitee
A
Ann solo_traveller ca
10
Highly recommend this property
Pros:

Really enjoyed our stay. Group of 9 people. Excellent food and staff

Cons:

N/A

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
M
Margaurite couple ie
8
2026-07-02 via Nuitee
J
jane couple gb
9
Last minute but great stay in Buncrana!
Pros:

The hotel is located overlooking the beach and golf course. It is spotlessly clean throughout. The swimming pool was lovely with steam room and sauna facilities. Staff were friendly and polite. Large car park.
Also right next to the car ferry terminal for the short trip over to Rathmullen.

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
E
E6655GPpatm Family Belfast, Northern Ireland
10
Very pleasant stay
Pros:

Visited as family of 4 for 3 nights from 28th June to 1st July., Very nice stay. Food was very good. Room was spacious and very clean. Self service breakfast which I prefer. Nice bars and good service. Pool is excellent. 1.4 meters depth throughout with another small poll for kids. Enjoyed sauna and steam room. Thought decor was very nice. Landscape paintings on many of the walls.

2026-07-01 via Tripadvisor
4
43ballycastle Couples County Antrim, Northern Ireland
10
A must stay in buncranna
Pros:

Fabulous hotel great location close to main town beside sandy beach
Very clean and spacious room great breakfast staff very friendly food in restaurant was excellent and well priced lovely swimming pool for guests use

2026-06-29 via Tripadvisor
M
Michael couple ie
9
2026-06-28 via Nuitee
B
brendan solo_traveller gb
4
2026-06-23 via Nuitee
P
Patricia solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Great location, very clean and comfortable. Lovely food. Staff friendly and found space for 2 bikes indoors.

2026-06-23 via Nuitee
R
Rachel family_with_children gb
10
2026-06-23 via Nuitee
E
Enda family_with_children ie
5
I expected much more. Unfortunately, it didn't meet those expectations
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Our room window looked straight at a wall which was less than a metre away, which was disappointing. To make matters worse, on the one day the sun was shining during our stay, there was nowhere to sit outside because of construction work. We had not been informed about the construction in advance, and had we known, we may have chosen alternative accommodation.

2026-06-22 via Nuitee
S
Spokes couple ie
5
Nice hotel just a bit disappointed with the room having no Aircon or TV working properly.
Cons:

No Aircon in the room and staff said there was nothing they could do and gave us a fan. Was a very hot night. TV would not connect to WiFi of hotel and we didn't have great signal ourselves to use our own hotspots as they suggested.

2026-06-20 via Nuitee
L
liam couple es
5
2026-06-18 via Nuitee
R
Rosemary couple gb
8
Enjoyed the break
Pros:

Golf course and spa

Cons:

We weren’t warned that building work was ongoing

2026-06-18 via Nuitee
K
K461PZlisag Couples
10
Lovely relaxing break in a welcoming place
Pros:

We have stayed at the Inishowen numerous times before but this time was midweek & the first time I used the Seagrass Wellbeing Centre - it certainly won't be the last! Alison is a magician!
My husband enjoyed the pool, sauna & steam room but it's a shame the jacuzzi is no longer there, it was the best thing for me.

We arrived too early on the first day to check in & our room wasn't ready, so we went & had lunch in the bar. It was very tasty (they basically changed ingredients to make a dish to my liking; I was so grateful) the woman serving was so friendly & easygoing.

The following night after a day of exercise, walking & shopping, we ate in the restaurant. Whilst my husband's fish was delicious & my beef was outstanding, the coldish/lumpy spuds felt like they'd been sitting a while & the roasties were dried up/rubbery. Everything else was perfect, & again, they brought me fresh fruit for dessert which wasn't on the menu, they went above & beyond!
The hotel has friendly reception staff, the bar man was mannerly and polite and we will definitely be back.

2026-06-16 via Tripadvisor
J
Journey35053680590 Family London, England
8
Lovely hotel - I would return
Pros:

We enjoyed our stay at the Gateway - it was just one night for a special birthday celebration. The hotel were aware of the birthday celebration but there was nothing in the room or on greeting to reflect this, which was disappointing, we had deluxe rooms which were spacious, clean and with a lovely view and comfy beds. I was surprised that the bathroom had separate hot and cold taps and not a mixer - but maybe that’s just me! Breakfast on a weekend is served til 11am which is great for a more relaxing start to the day, and the food was delicious and plentiful. All the staff I encountered were polite and friendly. We also had the carvery Sunday lunch which was delicious and huge portions!

2026-06-14 via Tripadvisor
F
Fiona couple gb
10
2026-06-14 via Nuitee
A
aaron solo_traveller gb
10
2026-06-14 via Nuitee
S
Sherpa592714 Family
10
Buncrana Inishowen on the course
Pros:

Great hotel, nice large rooms with views over the Lough Swiley. Staff is friendly,
good rates and free parking.

2026-06-12 via Tripadvisor
N
nualak290 Couples
10
Fabulous
Pros:

Great hotel very helpful especially as we are both on walkers mobility problems have been at least three times as husband comes from buncrana staff rooms great food great

2026-06-12 via Tripadvisor