Pictured: Niall Coffey, General Manager and Eamonn Gillespie, Host of the Harvey’s Point Cabaret. Photos by Rachel McLaughlin
Variety is the spice of life, and what had been a very dull week was instantly brightened by my trip to Harvey’s Point for their famous Cabaret.
Celebrating 25 years of entertainment, Harvey’s Point holds a unique place in Irish hospitality as the only remaining hotel in Ireland to deliver a weekly cabaret.
At the heart of it all is cabaret founder, host and singer, Eamonn Gillespie.
Eamonn is the hotel’s guest relations manager, and his job is to make sure guests leave content.
Wednesday nights are his time to shine. With warmth and charm, he is the seamless conductor of the show.
“I love making people happy, that is what it is all about,” Eamonn tells me on Wednesday afternoon. His day is carefully choreographed: welcoming artists to the hotel, overseeing rehearsals, and ensuring every detail is in place. By 6:45pm he is personally greeting guests, escorting them to their tables, and taking time to engage with each person.
At Harvey’s Point, every guest is a VIP. We were treated to a sumptuous five-course dinner and table bar service throughout.
By 9.10pm, the Four Masters Quintet take to the stage and it’s showtime. Each week, four acts make up the line-up, handpicked from the very best of Irish entertainment. From country to opera, from contemporary favourites to timeless classics, the variety is always perfectly balanced.
“The secret is the service, the beautiful food, the atmosphere… and the timing,” Eamonn says with a smile. “I didn’t always have it on time, but I’ve learned how important it is that the show finishes at a reasonable hour.”
Eamonn Gillespie performs at the Harvey’s Point Cabaret October 1st 2025
The Ennis Brothers perform at the Harvey’s Point Cabaret October 1st 2025
It was the year 2000 when Eamonn approached the Gyslings, the former proprietors of the hotel, with his idea for a Cabaret. He and his family had long been fans of the Jury’s Irish Cabaret in Dublin, often bringing American relatives to the show, and he believed Harvey’s Point could deliver something equally special.
The Gyslings gave him carte blanche, and Eamonn seized the opportunity to gather the best of Irish talent, produce the show himself, and even form his own band.
Some of those very first performers still grace the Harvey’s stage, including legends like Philomena Begley and Conal Gallen.
At this week’s show, I could see just how carefully curated the programme is. From the comforting favourites sung by Mary Duff, to the spellbinding vocals of tenor Seán Costello, to the country stylings of Brendan Shine, and the lively debut of the Ennis Brothers, the energy built beautifully through the evening. By the time the clock struck 11:30pm, almost the entire room was on its feet.
Mary Duff at the Harvey’s Point Cabaret October 1st 2025
Tenor Sean Costello at the Harvey’s Point Cabaret October 1st 2025
Emily and Brendan Shine at the Harvey’s Point Cabaret October 1st 2025
The Ennis Brothers perform at the Harvey’s Point Cabaret October 1st 2025
Some guests return to the Cabaret a few times each season, and even some weekly, which is why Eamonn and the team keep the line-up fresh. This year also brought the introduction of the phenomenal Réalta Dance of Ireland, whose next performances are scheduled for the 22nd and 29th of October.
The Cabaret is also the perfect opportunity to do something special for a birthday or anniversary. Guests can fill out a card on the night, earning a personal mention during the show, followed by a handwritten card from Eamonn himself.
Celebrating 25 years of entertainment and hospitality, Eamonn reflects on what keeps the cabaret so enduring.
“There’s a magic about the autumn season,” he says.
“The cabaret is a lovely night out as the evenings grow darker, especially if you’re marking a special occasion. More than anything, I look forward to the company of our guests and making every night one to remember.”
The Harvey’s Point Cabaret continues every Wednesday until 5th November. Tickets are €75 per person and can be booked at harveyspoint.com or by calling +353 74 9722208 or emailing stay@harveyspoint.com.
View the 2025 25th Anniversary Cabaret Programme here:
Accommodation Packages
And if you’d like time to really soak up all of the famous hospitality of Harvey’s Point, the two-night accommodation packages start from €349 per person sharing, which includes tickets to the Dinner Cabaret Show.
Stay in luxury at Harvey’s Point Hotel
Stay in luxury at Harvey’s Point Hotel
Winter Events
Harvey’s Point continues its tradition of unforgettable evenings with two special dates for the diary this winter. On Wednesday, 12th November 2025, the legendary Phil Coulter takes to the stage for a night of music and memories, paired with Harvey’s renowned dinner service.
As the festive season approaches, the magic builds with the Christmas Cabaret Spectacular on 10th and 17th December 2025. An evening where fine dining meets sparkling entertainment.
For more, see www.harveyspoint.com
A night to remember at the Harvey’s Point Cabaret, celebrating 25 years of entertainment magic was last modified: October 3rd, 2025 by Rachel McLaughlin
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