Kilkee to the Mouth of the Shannon
4 stops · 24 min driving · Clare · Updated August 2026
Open in Google MapsKilkee sits at the Atlantic edge of the Loop Head Peninsula, where 320-million-year-old limestone meets the open sea. This Clare route starts on the cliffs above the town's west end, drops to the tidal pools carved into the same reef, crosses the strand that made Kilkee a Victorian seaside resort, and finishes at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary, where resident bottlenose dolphins feed. Come between late spring and early autumn, when the cliff walk is at its best, the pools are swimmable and the dolphin boats sail daily. Book the Carrigaholt trip ahead — tides set the schedule — and check the Kilkee tide tables before swimming.
1.Cliff Walk Kilkee
214-metre cliffs, no barriers
Start at the Diamond Rocks Café car park, where the 8km loop climbs onto sheer limestone cliffs with no barriers between you and the Atlantic. Sea stacks, nesting seabirds and the wreck site of the Intrinsic unfold along the way; the 1.8km section suits anyone who wants a shorter taste before moving on.
- Tip
- The Pollock Holes car park beside Diamond Rocks Café has about 56 spaces and fills quickly on summer weekends — Kilkee town parking is a 15–20 minute walk away.
↓ 5 min drive · 2.3 km
2.Pollock Holes
Swim in the ancient reef pools
Four rock-enclosed pools sit in the Duggerna Reef at Kilkee's west end, filling and emptying with every tide. At low tide the water warms to around 20°C in late summer, several degrees warmer than the open sea, and the crystal-clear pools are rated among Ireland's best snorkelling.
- Tip
- Accessible only around low tide — from roughly two hours before the tide turns; check Kilkee tide tables before visiting.
↓ 5 min drive · 1.7 km
3.Kilkee beach
The sheltered horseshoe bay
Kilkee's 1.5km crescent of golden sand shelves gently into the Atlantic, sheltered by the same Duggerna Reef that holds the pools. Lifeguards patrol through the summer, and in September the Strand Races are run right on the sand when the tide recedes — a seaside tradition worth planning around.
- Tip
- Paid parking applies on the main car parks 1 June – 15 September, 11am–6pm; O'Curry Street offers free time-restricted parking.
↓ 14 min drive · 12.7 km
4.Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt
The Shannon's resident dolphins
From the Castle Pier, the trip heads into the Shannon Estuary, home to around 200 bottlenose dolphins — some of the largest in the world — with commentary from marine biologist Mary Kate Bolger. Grey seals, gannets and, in late summer, minke whales can all appear along the way.
- Tip
- Trips run April–October and sailing times vary daily with the tides, confirmed the day before; booking is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book the dolphin trip in advance?
Yes. Booking is recommended and the season runs April to October, with trip times varying daily according to tides. Prices are €50 for adults and €35 for children up to 14 years, with a full refund if the trip is cancelled due to weather or sea conditions.
When can I swim in the Pollock Holes?
Only at low tide. The pools are accessible from roughly two hours before low tide until the tide turns, a window of about five hours, and are submerged at mid-to-high tide. Check Kilkee tide tables before you go; the water is warmest in July and August.
Are the cliffs on the walk safe for children?
The cliff walk has no barriers and is fully exposed, so it demands care in wet or windy conditions. For families, the shorter 1.8km option (about 30 minutes) is a gentler introduction, and the free Pollock Holes car park at the trailhead makes it easy to turn back at any point.