Reviews of Bru Bar & Hostel
Victorian Quarter 57 MacCurtain Street, Cork, Ireland
#39 of 45 hotels in Cork
Guests' ChoiceReview score
Based on 1052 hostel reviews
7.4Score breakdown
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Cleanliness
7.7
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Comfort
7.5
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Location
9.1
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Facilities
7.3
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Staff
8.6
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Value for money
7.4
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Free WiFi
8.3
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Reviewed: 3 September 2025
Laura
United Kingdom4 reviews8.0“Good value, great location”- • Business trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Bedside USB didn’t work but another one in the room did so didn’t really matter
As a hostel - fantastic
Stayed in September 2025
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Reviewed: 2 September 2025
Arthur
Poland15 reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
The room was boiling hot even though it was cool summers day, the window was open all day and the sun wasn't shining on our window. Even at 2AM I was sweating. It was not nice
Location, staff and overall organisation were all fine. Bear in mind that this was my first hostel stay in about 15 years but I felt it was all satisfactory. The parcel locker style of cupboard for left luggage is a nice touch although I didn't use it. There were lights in the right places at the beds. When I left at 5:30, the person at reception really was awake and ready to have me checkout. The noise didn't keep me awake and the open mic in the bar was just lovely. It was the cheapest hostel available that night and I don't think it could be much better. But god almighty hostels got expensive over the years....
Stayed in August 2025
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Reviewed: 27 August 2025
Bnesy
United Kingdom6 reviews7.0“Cork weekend”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Male Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Air c9n units outside the bedroom windows making a racket but rooms don't have air con. Have to have the window open as it was too hot.
Good location, sports, music and beer. Staff friendly enough and tell you where to go.
Stayed in August 2025
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Reviewed: 24 August 2025
Marzena
Poland5 reviews8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 3 nights
Breakfast is very basic, with only sweet options. If you get a room on the street, it's noisy from the morning because of the road traffic.
A very good location, close to the train station and bus stops for organised day trips. The room and bathroom are clean and tidy. The beds are comfortable. The staff is friendly, and luggage storage is available before check-in and after check-out for free. The property has a large kitchen where you can prepare meals, and there are also refrigerators. Next to the kitchen is a large room where you can eat or relax.
Stayed in June 2025
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Reviewed: 17 August 2025
Julia
France1 review6.0Pleasant- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
To be in a room with three other men without knowing beforehand. I'm a young adult, and that was a little bit scary.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 13 August 2025
Olha
Ireland28 reviews3 helpful votes7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
The weather was very hot, and the window in the room was open. However, there was another AC's ventilation outside, so the hot air was blowing right into the room.
The location is very nice, right close to the city centre. It's a good place to spend a night or two if you're travelling.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 10 August 2025
Yuriko
Japan1 review7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The bed was hard and uncomfortable. It was shaking easily. I couldn't sleep well because of the noise from outside. It's in the center area so it happened.
The kitchen and shower room were clean. The staff is friendly.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 7 August 2025
Daniel
United Kingdom3 reviews1 helpful vote6.0“Good value for what you pay in a great location”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
It is quite an old building. Replacing broken light bulbs would brighten the place up!
Fantastic location and a brilliant bar downstairs with the staff
Stayed in August 2025
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Reviewed: 6 August 2025
Seán
Ireland2 reviews8.0“Affordable, comfortable hostel, located above a busy bar with live music just off the River Lee.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Male Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
Affordable, comfortable hostel, located just off the River Lee. Rooms above a very busy bar with live music on the weekend, great for anyone looking for a good time. Couldn't hear anything from the room. Convenient small breakfast provided in the mornings for anyone in a rush in the morning.
Stayed in August 2025
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Reviewed: 5 August 2025
Md
Portugal11 reviews2 helpful votes8.0“Well organised”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Well
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 1 August 2025
Petros
United Kingdom4 reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
The room is dated, bunk beds are not very convenient especially when people come and go in the middle of the night. The doors are heavy and squeaky therefore when close is quite loud. Prices are quite high for what the hostel offers. Breakfast could be better, however next door is a coffee shop which has more variety.
Excellent location in the heart of the city, a very vibrant place with live music every night and great people. A quick breakfast is a plus. In walking distance there is a launderette and a lot of stores for lunch and dinner.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 31 July 2025
Ilaria
Italy13 reviews1 helpful vote7.0“Quanto spendi, mangi!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Rooms are small and the bathroom's very narrow. Plus the shower works only if you tap a button so you cant actually regulate the temperature...
The atmosphere is great, a bar in the structure is the perfect way to meet people and make new friends. (Shoutout to the housekeeping girl, the sweetest ever!!!!)
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 29 July 2025
Stephen
Ireland17 reviews7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
No ventilation, sleep difficult with street noise from open window. Pricey
Good location and nice facilities.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 25 July 2025
Md
Portugal11 reviews2 helpful votes7.0“Good enough”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Male Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Sound from machine
Breakfast and beer
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 24 July 2025
Linda
Ireland18 reviews3 helpful votes7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Didn't like that there wasn't any privacy around the beds. Maybe putting up curtains would be nice.
Lovely location and great value staff were so handy helpful 👍
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 23 July 2025
Leonie
United Kingdom7 reviews1 helpful vote8.0“Good value for money, easy access and good breakfast”- • Business trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
bathroom was mouldy on the ceiling.
Breakfast was more ethan expected (coffee, tea, toast, cereals, jams, juice); kitchen well stocked and tidy; 4-bed dorm was ok; late check-out great.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 22 July 2025
Rainer
Germany9 reviews1 helpful vote6.0“nice hostel, basic.rooms, great pub”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Male Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
almost no hooks in the room no shelves at all. almost no air circulation. window goes to a inner light well with bad air and loud blower outlets.
nice hostel, nice pub in the basement. clean room (but not clean and smelly other guests in the 4 person room) bath room was ok and clean. lockers in the basement
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 21 July 2025
Florian
Ireland1 review1 helpful vote7.0“Pleasant stay, and good value for what you get.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
I mean, it's kind of nitpicks, but I would have loved curtains for the bed. I know the hostel does not claim to provide them, but it would have boosted the comfort. I also would have wanted to know more about the kitchen and other facilities, but it was not provided when checking in.
The bathroom was nice. It was nice that you did not have to shower together with other guests. I liked the included breakfast. For sure, it was toast and cereal only, but that's a win for a hostel in my opinion.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 20 July 2025
Lackabawn
Ireland81 reviews5 helpful votes7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • People with friends
- • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted via mobile
Really uncomfortable bed!
Great location, lovely bar. Clean rooms. Friendly staff
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 18 July 2025
Tdr13
New Zealand58 reviews3 helpful votes8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Location was fantastic and a free breakfast is always a win. Quiet and the staff were helpful. 4 bed dorm with own bathroom and good storage space. Large kitchen for cooking and plenty of fridge space.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 18 July 2025
Travis
United Kingdom2 reviews8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Group
- • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Was really hot in the bedrooms
Great place for meeting people.
Stayed in July 2025
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Reviewed: 17 July 2025
Savannah
Australia16 reviews7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Small rooms
Hostel was clean and bar was cheap
Stayed in June 2025
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Reviewed: 10 July 2025
Sinead
New Zealand36 reviews3 helpful votes7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
The cost has increased so much since we were last here! It was still the cheapest option for accommodation in Cork city but a crazy price for a basic room with bunk beds.
It's a convenient location. We arrived early from our flight and were able to check in early, which was unexpected and much appreciated! Lovely and accommodating staff. Large kitchen to cook in & breakfast available
Stayed in June 2025
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Reviewed: 7 July 2025
Till
Austria14 reviews8.0Very good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveller
- • Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted via mobile
Liked the Bar which was easy to access
Stayed in July 2025
