Pollock Holes

Pollock Holes is a natural sea swimming area on the West End of Kilkee, County Clare. Set around Duggerna Reef, it consists of large pools formed along the Atlantic coast and is used for swimming and snorkelling. The pools are reached at low tide by crossing a stretch of flagstones from the car park beside Diamond Rocks Café.

The pools vary in size from approximately 20 to 50 metres and range from around 1 to 2.5 metres in depth. Their clear seawater gives the setting a direct connection with the open Atlantic, while the surrounding rock and reef create a distinctive coastal environment for time in the water. The name comes from the small pollock that inhabit the area for part of the year.

Pollock Holes suits visitors looking for an outdoor sea-swimming experience rather than a formal attraction with indoor facilities. Swimmers can use the pools at their leisure, and snorkelling is also possible. The location has a simple, natural character, with the main focus on the changing tide, the sea pools and the rocky shoreline.

Low tide is important for access across the flagstones, so tide times should be checked before a visit. The stones can become slippery when wet and require careful footing. Water depth varies between the pools, making awareness of conditions and swimming ability important. As with any coastal bathing location, conditions can change with the tide and weather.

Located at W End, Kilkee Upper, Pollock Holes forms part of the coastal experience around Kilkee and the wider Wild Atlantic Way. It is best suited to visitors who are comfortable around natural seawater and who appreciate an informal setting shaped by the coast. The nearby car park provides the recognised access point, while the pools themselves remain an open-air, tide-dependent feature of the shoreline.