Walk the Kilkee Cliff Walk
An 8 km loop runs from the Pollock Holes past the amphitheatre's seat-like rocks, the Pink Caves, the Diamond Rocks and Look Out Hill, returning to town by Fooagh Chalybeate spa. It also passes the Richard Harris memorial.
Kilkee beach
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About
A crescent of golden sand in west Clare, sheltered from the Atlantic by the Duggerna Reef and a seaside favourite since Victorian times.
Things to Do
Relax on the Blue Flag beach
Kilkee is a 1.5 km crescent-shaped sandy beach, fairly flat across most of its width and one of the safest bathing spots on Ireland's west coast. It has held International Blue Flag status for years.
Swim in the designated area
The horseshoe bay is shielded by the Duggerna Reef, and a marked swimming area sits inside the lifeguard-patrolled zone. Never swim outside the red and yellow flags while lifeguards are on duty.
Pool-hop at the Pollock Holes
These naturally formed rock pools at the west end, reached from the car park beside the Diamond Rocks Cafe, fill with fresh Atlantic water each tide. They range from 1 to 2.5 metres deep and are swimmable and snorkellable at low tide only.
Dive, snorkel or coasteer
The reefs around Kilkee are regarded as some of the best diving in Europe, with depths from 10 to 45 metres. Summer coasteering, surfing and kayaking lessons are available with trained guides.
Take the kids to Kilkee Waterworld
Just north of the beach, this indoor pool complex has a tower slide, bubble pool, lazy river ride, beach pool and a play pool for younger guests - handy when the weather turns.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: The beach is open access. Lifeguard hours are 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on weekends 18-19 and 25-26 May, daily 1 June to 31 August, and weekends 7-8 and 14-15 September.
- Admission: Free to visit
- Parking: Several public car parks serve the beach: a small one at the west end (Marine Parade) with benches overlooking the bay, one on O'Connell Street in the town centre about 100 m behind the beach (with public toilets and disabled facilities), and the largest at the northern end, reached down a short flight of stairs. Disability-accessible parking is available at the beach.
- Food: Cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and takeaways (including fish and chips and ice cream) sit in Kilkee town, a short walk from the sand. The Diamond Rocks Cafe is beside the car park for the Pollock Holes.
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