Name: Inishowen Gateway Hotel
Address: Railway Road, Buncrana, Ireland, Buncrana, County Donegal, IE
Price range: US$108–US$193 per night
Rating: 8.77

What guests think

At Inishowen Gateway Hotel, travellers consistently praise friendly, welcoming staff, generous breakfasts, and a scenic coastal location with sea and golf views, while comfortable, often spacious rooms and a well-regarded leisure centre with pool and spa support relaxed stays.

Recent changes to bar access and atmosphere disappointed some returning guests. A few reviews cite slow or understaffed restaurant service, room temperature control issues (very cold or too warm while air conditioning is being installed), occasional noise, and weak in room WiFi. Overall, expect a relaxed stay with solid amenities and easy access to beach walks.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

The leisure centre with pool, sauna/steam room, spa and a gym is praised, and some note an on site golf course and ample parking. Downsides include changes limiting access to the main bar, occasional facility issues or closures, and no room service for some stays.

Related guest reviews

10

Angela

7 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had a fantastic room with really comfortable bed. We ate a few times in the bar and the food and service was great. Great pool to get a few lengths in.

10

Brian

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good food and leisure centre

10

Gill

2 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Pleasantly surprised by how quiet this hotel was (no night-time hum from heating/air-con). Very clean rooms, a spacious gym (for a hotel), and a nice pool. Breakfast diverse, but the hotel might consider indicating allergens on its menus, and ensuring a wider range of choices for vegan/vegetarians and other special diets.

10

A

20 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing stay, facilities were great. Will definitely be back

10

Connor

4 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel was amazing. Perfect choice for us and our young child. Pool area was exceptional and clean. Staff were lovely and nothing was an issue.

10

Danielle

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed there for 2 nights and the service was great. It was my partner's birthday and they made a lovely gesture to celebrate. Thank you. The breakfast was particularly good!! Lots of choice and lots of it. The location was fantastic, with great walks and such a handy base for exploring the peninsula. Only marking it down slightly for not firm enough pillows and a slight weird smell when we first entered out room each time. The pool and sauna facilities were top notch and overall we would very happily come back.

2

Daniel

21 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lost its ambiance. Guests now denied entry to the Loughview bar. The heart and soul of the hotel. The Swilly bar for guests affords a view of the carpark. The selling point, spectacular view, is inaccessible unless you pay for sea view room or are dining. This will impact upon the hotel’s regular returning clients.

10

NEVILLE

15 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great Hotel friendly staff good food. fitness suite pool Steam room sauna A1. Great value family Hotel we will be back - - -

4

Philip

2 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel has potential. The steam room was dangerous. The noise coming from an exposed pipe. The carpet throughout the hotel needs deep clean or replaced. The staff through the hotel were very welcoming and civil. The best point of the hotel was the breakfast. Buffet style and well maintained with the best choice and nurishing food.

10

Alan

19 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Was just fabulous, a fantastic stay from start to finish. Added extra of a fabulous wellbeing spa and golf course directly behind the hotel on the coast. Lovely bar/restaurant with live music.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Rooms and common areas are generally clean and often described as spotless. A few guests reported housekeeping misses, musty odours, or tired carpets.

Related guest reviews

10

Claire

12 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very impressed with stay. Our room was clean and very spacious, it was also very quiet. We enjoyed breakfast and found all staff that we encountered were very friendly. Parts of the hotel could do with updating but this didn’t take away from the overall experience.

10

Gary

28 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely friendly and helpful staff, Room was spotless, spacious and quiet, the beds are honestly one of the most comfortable beds ive ever slept in. Breakfast was lovely and plentiful, would definitely love to return to this hotel and try their Sunday carvery next time.

10

Margaret

10 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful locations, lovely clean rooms

10

Jacqueline

22 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely clean hotel, friendly staff, food delicious. Hotel set in idyllic surroundings for relaxing beach walks with plenty of coffee outlets en route. The only thing that lets this hotel down is the very poor WiFi

6

Edna

9 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

checked in online, on arrival mentioned i would have booked a 2 night break but could not see any offers...it was obvious that the receptionist was not receptive as we had booked through Expedia...said we could not get the same rate as our first night was with Expedia...also found a sock from the previous person in the room lying beside a single bed...which would have been found if the room had been hoovered. Breakfast so disappointing, poor quality, machine for coffee not planning a return visit

10

John

26 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was great friendly staff ,good food in the bar ,great breakfast choices,Rooms were very clean and spacious but my favourite thing was to relax on the room with great TV choices including netflix so perfect stay.

10

Danielle

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed there for 2 nights and the service was great. It was my partner's birthday and they made a lovely gesture to celebrate. Thank you. The breakfast was particularly good!! Lots of choice and lots of it. The location was fantastic, with great walks and such a handy base for exploring the peninsula. Only marking it down slightly for not firm enough pillows and a slight weird smell when we first entered out room each time. The pool and sauna facilities were top notch and overall we would very happily come back.

10

Jenny

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

helpful friendly staff, clean rooms and very warm

4

Philip

2 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel has potential. The steam room was dangerous. The noise coming from an exposed pipe. The carpet throughout the hotel needs deep clean or replaced. The staff through the hotel were very welcoming and civil. The best point of the hotel was the breakfast. Buffet style and well maintained with the best choice and nurishing food.

10

Aisling

27 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was spotless staff were friendly cannot fault this hotel

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are typically spacious and comfortable, with many offering sea or golf course views. Some guests experienced temperature control problems (very cold or too warm while air conditioning is being installed), occasional noise, and weak in room WiFi.

Related guest reviews

10

Brenda

24 May 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location staff very friendly. Room was perfect overlooking golf course. A very pleasant stay. Would definitely return

8

Daniel

18 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was beautiful with an amazing view but it was incredibly warm and the aircon wasn’t working

8

Kevin

30 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good room with beautiful view of the sea. Would love that room again when I come back again

10

Angela

26 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely spacious room, comfortable bed and lovely staff on reception. Breakfast was great!

10

Jacqueline

22 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely clean hotel, friendly staff, food delicious. Hotel set in idyllic surroundings for relaxing beach walks with plenty of coffee outlets en route. The only thing that lets this hotel down is the very poor WiFi

6

Paul

27 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Dont get my wrong, the hotel was lovely and clean. The service was great. The staff were friendly. Our road over looked the main, very busy road but with the windows closed and a few wines we don’t mind (some people might, so ask for a sea view) During a lot of the time there was off and on rumbling noising that came from either works going on that we weren’t informed about or the ventilation shafts (front desk staff didn’t know what to do). I advised front desk they just said sorry about that. I have audio recordings and let the hotel staff listen. There was great breakfasts and the pub grub was prefect and not expensive. We wanted to go to the restaurant in the hotel but they just closed it (without any warning) so I can’t comment on that. Overall I will stick with an average recommendation.

10

Roger

17 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Air conditioning currently being installed. Fan provided on request.

10

Gellaine Louisse

21 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our stay was super worth it. Our room has the golf course, sea and sunset view!!! Room was clean and comfy and buffet breakfast was good! We’re gonna bring our family next time so they can experience what we had! Thank you again!!!

8

Ann-Marie

7 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very comfortable a bit cold during the night.

10

Adrian

3 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel - lovely staff - only small issue was that the room was extremely cold affecting my Asthma during the night

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are widely described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, with thoughtful gestures noted. However, several reviews mention slow or understaffed restaurant service, inconsistent professionalism, or mishandled requests.

Related guest reviews

6

Adam

21 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was lovely and the check in staff were effiecent however the restaurant was awful. We booked a dinner in the upstairs restaurant and waited over 30 minutes for starters, then for the main course they forgot to bring sides. The cutlery was dirty and we had to request it changed. Also when we got tea the milk was curldled. We told a member of staff and they brought us a new portion of milk but we had no fresh tea or cups to use as the bad milk was in the cup

10

Ashleen

3 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was perfect from check in to check out

2

Therese

20 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We stayed here recently for a special occasion and unfortunately our experience was extremely disappointing. The hotel felt musty, and both my partner and I had sinus issues at night. Our baby also coughed throughout the nights, which was very concerning. On arrival after 9pm, we were shocked to find that the cot for our baby was not in the room, even though this had been requested and confirmed by the hotel. It was brought up quickly when we asked, but I was initially told to make it up myself while holding a screaming baby. When I questioned this, a staff member reluctantly offered to do it but admitted he didn’t know how. He proceeded to make a very unsafe bed, ignoring my instructions that it only needed a sheet on the base. In the end, I had to ask him to leave and make the cot myself while my baby cried. Overall, our stay was uncomfortable, stressful, and absolutely not worth the money. What should have been a special occasion was completely ruined. I cannot recommend this hotel and will not be returning.

10

Jeanette

3 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Superb Staff.Friendly and so helpful.

8

Nuala

26 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely stay, receptionist on Friday night was fantastic, he helped us out when there were issues with the electric in our room. (Because of the storm) Very comfy room but was a little noisy

8

Mrs Colette A

5 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall, hotel a bit tired. Room fine and goid walk in shower. Reception staff and some others, notably Patsy, very good. However, some younger waiting staff in bar and restaurant sorely in needvof training on the job and customer service.

10

Beth

26 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very friendly staff especially at reception nothing is to much trouble it's a lovely hotel

10

Danielle

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed there for 2 nights and the service was great. It was my partner's birthday and they made a lovely gesture to celebrate. Thank you. The breakfast was particularly good!! Lots of choice and lots of it. The location was fantastic, with great walks and such a handy base for exploring the peninsula. Only marking it down slightly for not firm enough pillows and a slight weird smell when we first entered out room each time. The pool and sauna facilities were top notch and overall we would very happily come back.

10

Carla

11 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Michelle, at reception, was amazing. She could not have been nicer with a simple request and very friendly every time we walked by the front desk. We have stayed at the Inishowen 3 times over the past 20 years and it’s a perfect place to stay when visiting Buncrana and the surrounding area

8

LORI

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Service staff was under staffed in the dining room. Took over an hour to get drinks. Finally went up to the bar to get them ourself. Food was yummy.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Seaside setting with views over Lough Swilly, beach walks, and handy access to Buncrana; Derry is a short drive. A few note limited nearby pubs and a walk to the main street.

Related guest reviews

10

Brenda

24 May 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location staff very friendly. Room was perfect overlooking golf course. A very pleasant stay. Would definitely return

10

James

20 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Proximity to Buncrana

8

Abraham

1 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Its 20 minutes away from Derry.

10

Jacqueline

22 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely clean hotel, friendly staff, food delicious. Hotel set in idyllic surroundings for relaxing beach walks with plenty of coffee outlets en route. The only thing that lets this hotel down is the very poor WiFi

8

Damien

21 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Perfect location, will return.

8

Sarah

6 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely peaceful night away break within walking distance of the beach and town

8

john

20 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Friendly staff,Good food & well positioned for walking to town or travelling further

10

Brigidann

21 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is amazing.staff is very friendly . The breakfast was hot and and the food was fresh. Bedroom where clean and roomy and not wait to visit again.

10

kevin

21 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice Hotel and good breakfast, food from bar was great,only one nearby pub, a bit of walk to buncrana mainstreet good stay

10

Karen

24 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff was very friendly and inviting. The area is peaceful and relaxing.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast is frequently praised for quality and selection. Bar and restaurant food is generally enjoyable but feedback is mixed due to slow service, limited variety, portion concerns, and a disappointing Sunday lunch for some.

Related guest reviews

6

Adam

21 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was lovely and the check in staff were effiecent however the restaurant was awful. We booked a dinner in the upstairs restaurant and waited over 30 minutes for starters, then for the main course they forgot to bring sides. The cutlery was dirty and we had to request it changed. Also when we got tea the milk was curldled. We told a member of staff and they brought us a new portion of milk but we had no fresh tea or cups to use as the bad milk was in the cup

10

Brendan

29 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic wee hotel. Great value, great facilities and amenities. The breakfast was first class. Brilliant find. Will be back.

10

John

26 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was great friendly staff ,good food in the bar ,great breakfast choices,Rooms were very clean and spacious but my favourite thing was to relax on the room with great TV choices including netflix so perfect stay.

10

Danielle

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed there for 2 nights and the service was great. It was my partner's birthday and they made a lovely gesture to celebrate. Thank you. The breakfast was particularly good!! Lots of choice and lots of it. The location was fantastic, with great walks and such a handy base for exploring the peninsula. Only marking it down slightly for not firm enough pillows and a slight weird smell when we first entered out room each time. The pool and sauna facilities were top notch and overall we would very happily come back.

8

Cathy

11 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Cannot fault hotel on any aspect except food.. We booked Sunday Lunch , Ordered Turkey & Ham with no stuffing. It appeared to have been vacumed packed meal with the stuffing scraped out of it but not completely. very poor selection of veg. Disappointing to think that a chef would serve this type of food. Breakfast was luke warm at most, eggs missing and rashers rubbery. Stands with trays on left in middle of floor for anyone to fall over.

10

Jeanette

7 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Poor bar food menu

8

LORI

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Service staff was under staffed in the dining room. Took over an hour to get drinks. Finally went up to the bar to get them ourself. Food was yummy.

10

Julie

10 Feb 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

We really like the breakfast. Quality and selection was brilliant.

8

Malcolm

5 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was fine in general except for theeal purchased in the bar, I ordered chick stack which literally was one piece of chicken, that's fine and usual in most places, one onion ring and the smallest amount of champ I've seen on a restaurant meal, two of the cheapest ingredients in the meal that could have made a big difference had they increased the portion of champ and maybe another one or two onion rings. I wouldn't even give it a one star for this reason.

10

Mario

30 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

This is an amazing hotel . There is ample parking . The food was exceptional.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$105
February	US$111
March	US$118
April	US$127
May	US$133
June	US$134
July	US$154
August	US$171
September	US$128
October	US$115
November	US$106
December	US$112

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8 $133	9 $138	10 $133	11	12
13 $117	14 $117	15 $118	16 $117	17 $127	18 $155	19 $193
20 $118	21 $127	22 $127	23 $127	24 $118	25	26
27 $118	28 $132	29 $127	30 $127

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $118	2 $137	3 $151
4 $108	5 $108	6 $108	7 $108	8 $108	9 $136	10 $165
11 $108	12 $108	13 $108	14 $108	15 $108	16	17 $169
18 $108	19 $108	20 $108	21 $108	22 $108	23 $137	24 $155
25 $117	26 $112	27 $113	28 $113	29 $113	30 $155	31 $164

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

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Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

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