Experiences
& Reviews

Thankfully the reviews have been fantastic and we appreciate every single one of them.

The following selection of Guest Comments, Tripadvisor Reviews and Press, gives you an idea of what to expect when you visit us:

Wedding couple holding hands.
“We were beyond lucky to accidentally stumble upon Dunowen House while researching wedding venues.

“A quick look at their Instagram page and we were sold without even visiting the house. Kela and Stephen took fantastic care of us, from the freshly baked scones on arrival, to getting the fires lit in the morning. They worked with us to prepare the rooms for our wedding ceremony and meal and the meal itself was perfection. Both the vegetarian and meat dishes were absolutely delicious and the desserts were to die for.

The small number of us that could be there due to COVID restrictions were able to enjoy a wonderfully relaxing time in this stunning house, with it’s comfortable and stylish bedrooms, living and dining areas. We could not recommend it highly enough as a place to have a small intimate wedding. Top notch venue, service, and wonderful countryside and coastline nearby as well. We will 100% return for another stay!”

Wedding flowers on a table.
“We stayed in Orchard Cottage for the last week in August 2020 and it was brilliant.

We are a family of 4 and all loved the cottage and the gardens. The level of cleanliness was exceptional and in general there was a very welcoming feel to the place. Kela, Stephen and family are great hosts and were very nice, always having time to talk to the kids. The surrounding area is so beautiful, with some of the best beaches in Ireland to explore, lovely walks and really great restaurants to experience. Highly recommend to all.”

“This place was spectacular.

The attention to detail (fire lighting, freshly baked bread and scones on arrival) coupled with warm welcome was the start of a great weekend for my sisters hen. The grand proportions of the rooms and the pristine decor honestly made us not want to leave to venture into Clonakilty. We did though, but not before a delicious 3 course meal served up to us in the house! Dunowen House is a gem and I just hope the next time I try and book it there will be a vacancy because places as good as this get booked up fast.”

“I had my hen party in Dunowen house this weekend

I had an absolute ball! The house is fabulous, the grounds are beautiful and the little beach close-by is breathtaking! We had dinner in the house served by Kela and Stephen which was also top notch! Thank you guys so much for such a memorable weekend!”

“We were beyond lucky to accidentally stumble upon Dunowen House while researching wedding venues.

“A quick look at their Instagram page and we were sold without even visiting the house. Kela and Stephen took fantastic care of us, from the freshly baked scones on arrival, to getting the fires lit in the morning. They worked with us to prepare the rooms for our wedding ceremony and meal and the meal itself was perfection. Both the vegetarian and meat dishes were absolutely delicious and the desserts were to die for.

The small number of us that could be there due to COVID restrictions were able to enjoy a wonderfully relaxing time in this stunning house, with it’s comfortable and stylish bedrooms, living and dining areas. We could not recommend it highly enough as a place to have a small intimate wedding. Top notch venue, service, and wonderful countryside and coastline nearby as well. We will 100% return for another stay!”

Wedding couple cheering glasses.
“We were beyond lucky to accidentally stumble upon Dunowen House while researching wedding venues.

“A quick look at their Instagram page and we were sold without even visiting the house. Kela and Stephen took fantastic care of us, from the freshly baked scones on arrival, to getting the fires lit in the morning. They worked with us to prepare the rooms for our wedding ceremony and meal and the meal itself was perfection. Both the vegetarian and meat dishes were absolutely delicious and the desserts were to die for.

The small number of us that could be there due to COVID restrictions were able to enjoy a wonderfully relaxing time in this stunning house, with it’s comfortable and stylish bedrooms, living and dining areas. We could not recommend it highly enough as a place to have a small intimate wedding. Top notch venue, service, and wonderful countryside and coastline nearby as well. We will 100% return for another stay!”

Media Coverage

“You want to go somewhere at least as nice as your own house,” says Kela Hodgins, owner of Dunowen House. Expect a five-star hotel vibe and music memorabilia in this luxury six-bed 18th-century rental she runs with husband Stephen….”

“The couple have learned on the job, with the business evolving to meet the needs of its clientele…..”

By pure chance they found Dunowen House, immediately igniting the fuse for its next evolution: As a haven of laid-back luxury where good food and good vibes are the new rock and roll – Interview Kate Ryan, WOW Bites, Echo Newspaper.

Think small for your big day: Top Venues in Ireland for a Micro-Wedding.

One of Ireland’s leading private rental properties.

Why smaller weddings might be a trend that’s here to stay

5 Star hotel vibe and music memorabilia

Wild Atlantic Women, Penny McCormick interviews Kela Hodgins about coastal living, creativity and living on Irelands Wild Atlantic Way.

The place to find Cake Monday, interior inspiration and stunning seascapes

A member of Ireland’s most prestigious group of historic hotels and country houses since 2019.

Dunowen House is one of Top 6 Small Stays in Ireland

Best in Ireland, “Kela and Stephen’s Dunowen House is a jewel, and one of the dream destinations in Ireland…”

The Fab 50: Ireland’s 50 Best places to stay

Irish Country Magazine visits Dunowen House, September 2017

Pól O Conghaile, Travel Editor, Irish Independent, May 2017

Living the “Good Life” – Out of the rat race and into the chicken run!

"A Magical West Cork Escape"

We stayed at Dunowen House for a long weekend and genuinely didn’t want to leave. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the beauty of the house and its surroundings – the views, the gardens, the quiet… it’s pure magic. The house itself is full of character and history but still feels incredibly cosy and luxurious.

We loved having our morning coffee overlooking the sea and strolling down to the nearby coves. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Clonakilty is only a few minutes away too, so we had some lovely meals out and picked up bits from the local markets.

"A Dream Wedding Come to Life"

We were blown away with the unmatched beauty of Dunowen – the set- ting, the people and all the details make it come to life. We feel so blessed to have had our wedding here and so grateful for Kela and Stephen for making this the most special day of our lives. We are leaving a piece of our hearts here so we will absolutely have to come back again. All our love

"An Unforgettable Celebration of Love"

I could not have imagined a more beautiful stay and wedding. We took a chance and put our trust in Kela and Stephen, booking Dunowen sight un- seen! What a wonderful experience to celebrate our love with the people we care about most without having to worry about the details. The flow- ers, the food and the accommodations were unforgettable. Thank you for giving us the space to create lifetime memories! Dunowen will have a piece of our heart. We hope to come back and do it again!

"A Perfect Stay"

Kela and Stephen. Thank you for our wonderful stay at Dunowen House and letting us enjoy the beauty of West Cork in your wonderful home and surroundings. We absolutely loved it.

"Another Unforgettable Stay"

Thank you Kela & Stephen for another amazing stay. When you’ve stayed in Dunowen it’s impossible to stay elsewhere. Your house is per- fection!

"A Perfect 70th Celebration"

Many thanks Kela and Stephen for a wonderful stay at Dunowen House. The house is so spacious, especially for our smallish family group who helped me celebrate my 70th birthday. Thanks for the beautiful flowers throughout and all the home baking. We loved the location.

"Surrounded by Dunowen’s Gardens and Coastal Beauty"

Thank you for a wonderful week. Everything was perfect and we loved being able to walk to the beach and sit in the beautiful gardens. Hope to come again.

"A Perfect 80th Birthday Celebration"

The end of a fabulous week celebrating my 80th birthday. It has been a brilliant stay with everything we needed. Just perfect. Thank you so much Kela & Stephen for your thought and kindness. All the best for the future and perhaps we will see you again!

The Ultimate 5-Star Escape

Bravo! You have created the perfect backdrop for a 5 star vacation. Our group of 18 could not have imagined a more comfortable and luxe week. I’ll see you on Instagram and we will all see you again in person next va- cation.