Kilkee...

Kilkee is a seaside resort in the south west of County Clare Ireland. It is approximately a 45 minute drive from Ennis travelling on the N68. Kilkee is one of Ireland's leading traditional holiday centres. This seaside town on the south western coast of Clare, still has a 19th Century Victorian feel.

Kilkee overlooks the mile-long sandy beach, which is gently sloping and safe from the Atlantic weather that often batters similar sites along Ireland's west Coast. It is further sheltered by a reef which stretches across the mouth of the bay. On the west end of the town are the "Pollock Holes" three naturally enclosed pools. The diving boards at "New Found Out" allow for dives of up to 13 metres (45 feet) into the open sea. Children will love the indoor pool which has a 61 metre slide.

Kilkee Thalassotherapy Centre is a family run health spa, the centre offers traditional seaweed baths, seaweed body wraps, hydrotherapy, massage, marine based facials, sauna/steamrooms, beauty treatments and sun bed.

The village has been a popular tourist attraction for at least 200 years. During that time famous visitors have included members of the British and Austro-Hungarian Royal Families, the Beatles, Che Guevara, Charlotte Bronte (who spent part of her honeymoon in the town). The actor Richard Harris owned a house in the town he loved it so much.

For golfers Kilkee makes and excellent base for a golfing holiday with good golfing options both in Kerry via the car ferry and Clare's finest golf courses mostly less than an hour away. Kilkee's 18-Hole championship quality golf course is situated on the road towards George's Head and stretches along the spectacular cliffs, but if that's too daunting there is also a pitch-in-putt.

 

 

Known as the gateway to the Loophead Peninsula, Kilkee a great place to tour around. There are some breathtaking walks both to the north and south of the bay all the way to George's Head. From the nearby cliffs, one can see the Aran Islands on a fine day. There are fantastic pony trekking tours taking in beautiful vistas. When the actor Russell Crowe came to the town in 2006 to unveil a statue of Richard Harris he spoke highly of the town saying it had some of the best public walkways in the world.

Some of the most amazing senery is on the path of the Wild Atlantic Way are on the coast near Killee. There is a walk along the shore at “The Bridges of Ross” a spectacular cliff walk along naturally occurring caves and bridges. One can observe the ocean crashing against the rocks and the water sprays upwards creating an interesting scene. At the tip of Loop head on the Wild Atlantic Way is Loop Head lighthouse. Tours are available and the trip to see the vista at the top of the lighthouse is well worth the climb.

Kilkee is well know for it wealth of spectacular dives. Jacques Cousteau declared that it was the best diving spot in Europe. The dive centre, is fully-equipped and caters to both beginners and experts. The diving centre offers shore dives from the Duggera Rocks and boat dives from the Black Rocks further out. Divers can go to depths from 10 metres (32 feet) to 45 metres (147 feet). The diverse marine life attracts divers from all around the world. Snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and sailing are also popular watersports, and the surf school holds classes during the summer months. Every year a swim race from the east end of town to the west end across the bay attracts lots of entrants. Kilkee Waterworld is a fun activity for kids.

There are many types of accommodation available in or near the Kilkee from hotels to bed and breakfasts and hostels. The pubs in the region provide a wide variety of entertainment and traditional Irish music is popular. This area is home to a number of fine restaurants. Kilbaha Gallery and Crafts will help with retail therapy as well as information on the area and a sweet cafe, Any Occasion in Kilkee town also stock souvenirs and crafts.