Kilkee

Kilkee is on the West Coast of County Clare, on the peninsula known as Loophead.  It is located on Moore Bay and has a reef, known as Duggerna Rocks, guarding the bay.
Kilkee has been popular with locals and visitors alike since the 18th century due to the area’s mild climate, semi-circular strand and safe bathing areas. The village is quite close to Kilrush and Doonbeg, as well as Loophead. It has world famous dive spots including Biraghty Mór and Beag; Diamond Rocks; Donegal Point; Chimney Bay and Bishops Island. If you fancy a spot of fishing, try out Castle Point – located three miles south of the town and good for catching pollock, mackerel, conger and rockling.

Kilkee’s original name was Cill Chaoidhe, or St Caoi’s Church. In the 15th century, the castle of Kilkee was constructed and its ownership moved from the MacMahons, O’Brien’s and MacDonnells over the subsequent years. By the 18th century, Kilkee really began to make a name for itself as a holiday resort, particularly due to the availability of transport from Limerick City.  The town continues to attract crowds from the city during the summer months – in fact at times the city seems so quiet that it appears everyone has headed to Kilkee!


The West Clare Railway linked Kilkee with areas such Kilrush and Miltown Malbay, via the nearby station at Moyasta Junction  from 1892 to 1961. The West Clare Railay was celebrated in song by Percy French in "Are You Right There Michael" A working engine from the original West Clare can be seen in Moyasta and you can take a trip along a restored section of the railway.


The annual Strand Races are a very colourful attraction in Kilkee – normally running in September.  Horses take the sand for this traditional race that has been running since the 19th century.  There is also a local 18 hole golf course.

The town has retained its charm and its cresent shaped beach provides a safe area for family days out and an opportunity, for those brave souls, to take a dip in the Athlantic.
There is a variety of accommodation, restaurants and bars to facilitate you and help you enjoy your stay.