I found Acorn House via the Internet and although some of the reviews were a bit worrying, we decided to take the plunge for our short stay in Cork. However, we need not have been concerned. The guest house is brilliantly located within a short stroll of the city centre and we found it to be a friendly and clean establishment which suited our needs perfectly. A tasty Irish breakfast the next morning was appreciated by both of us and we found Charles and Jackie very hospitable. We thought it was good value for money and would definitely stay there again.

Having read a couple of earlier reviews I must admit to feelings of trepidation of what to expect of the "rude" staff etc? - I and my 5 friends who travelled with me where all of the same mind.
STAFF: We all found Jackie & Charlie very hospitable, helpful & welcoming - the chamber maid charming, in her east european way

ROOMS: Basic; but very comfortable & clean. The views to the rear are awfull but, hey! you can't always choose your neighbours.

LOCATION: Very central but just far enough from the hustle & bustle not to have any noise problems. Located a little way up a fairly steep hill this is fine if you are mobile but probably not if you have mobility issues. The address is St Patricks HILL so remember HILL!

BREAKFAST: Cereal, juice, toast, full irish...more toast, lovely rye bread, lashings of tea and coffee it really sets you up for the day.

COST: We all thought that at €45 pppn offered good value for money

SUMMARY: My friends and I have been all over the UK & Ireland following horse racing and have stayed in B&B, Guest Houses, and Hotels's of a varying standard and cost.
We agreed that in the past we have paid a lot more.... and recieved a lot less than what is on offer at the Acorn.
I would finish by saying although I'm sure the Acorn is run as a business people should appreciate that they are being invited into someones home. A B&B is not a 4/5 star hotel it is a cheaper alternative and should be seen as such. The Acorn is a very short walk to Cork city centre; it is clean and it is worth the money.
COMMENT - by the the way we all lost at the races - so this review wasn't clouded by the euphoria of a sudden increase of wealth!!!

This property was warmly recommended by Lonely Planet, however a tremendous disappointment. Shabby, small, cramped room. Rude staff. Definitely not recommended. Try The Garnish House instead which is lovely.

Having read the negative reviews when I had already booked in for 2 nights I was expecting the worst but I was pleasantly surprised. It is in an excellent spot literally 2 minutes on foot to the city centre and I would give it 5 stars for it's location. It was spotlessly clean and the room I was in which is the room in the photo as far as I can see is bigger than one would think as is the little parlour and has a good sized bathroom with bath/shower. The dining room is much bigger than is the photo and I found it charming. True, breakfast was average but tasty (the orange juice wasn't freshly squeezed). In other b & b's I've sometimes had this and home made bread, scones, mushrooms etc but one does get an Irish breakfast consisting of one fried egg, 2 sausages,2 rashers, one piece of white pudding and half a grilled tomatoe with cereals available for those who would like this and toast, tea and coffee, quite adequate. It didn't have any frills (eX. no goblet to rinse your mouth with in bathroom and no shampoo) but it is a b & B and not a 5 star hotel. I found the owners ok. Not overly chatty but pleasant enough especially after what was said about them in the last review. I managed to have hot showers without any problems (once I did have to leave the hot tap run for quite a while before I got hot water but it did come.) The only negative thing I would say not being used to the sound of traffic was that it was a bit noisy in the room where I was in the front so it may be a bit quieter in the back but the view out the back isn't as nice (then again, you don't stay there to spend your time looking out the window and maybe the window wasn't shut properly..).

I would give it 3 stars in general.

(originally from Cork)