Kilkee

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Kilkee

Kilkee (Cill Chaoi in Irish) is a small coastal town in County Clare, Ireland. It is located on the N67 road near Kilrush. The town, one of the most famous resorts in ireland, is particularly popular as a seaside resort with people from Limerick City. It has been a resort since the early 19th century when it was featured on the front page of the London Illustrated News as the premier bathing spot in what was then Great Britain. The town retains some of its 19th century Victorian feel, and also features many modern amenities. The mile-long horseshoe bay is protected from the Atlantic Ocean weather by the Duggerna Reef and is one of the safest bathing spots in Europe. Kilkee has regularly been awarded the Blue Flag by the European Commission. Kilkee has seen many famous guests through the years including memebers of the British and Austro-Hungarian Royal Families, the Beatles, Che Guevara, Charlotte Bronte (who spent part of her honeymoon in the town)and actor Richard Harris who owned a house in the town. Recently a staute to Richard Harris was unveiled by actor Russell Crowe who spoke very highly of the town saying it had some of the best public walks in the world.

1 Sport
2 Transport
3 Life
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Sport

Along with bathing on the strand, swimmers can choose among the Pollock Holes, New Found Out, and Byrnes Cove. The Pollock Holes, on the west end of town, are three natural rock-enclosed pools, with water that is changed by every tide. The Pollock Holes are hugely popular with visitors to the down. The diving boards at New Found Out allow for dives of up to 13 metres (45 feet) into the open sea. Every year there is a huge entry, sometimes in the hundreds, for the Bay Swim which a race from the east end of the town to the west end across the bay.

Kilkee is also a mecca for divers. Jacques Cousteau declard that it was the best diving spot in Europe. The Kilkee Dive Centre, Kilkee [1] is a fully-equipped SCUBA diving centre which caters to both beginners and experts. Divers can go to depths from 10 metres (32 feet) to 45 metres (147 feet). The diverse marine life attracts divers from around the world.

Kilkee is home to an 18-hole golf course. The first and second tees overlook the Atlantic Ocean and the third tee overlooks Chimney Bay. The views from these holes is spectacular.

Kilkee strand

[edit] Transport

The town was once one of the two termini of the West Clare Railway from Ennis, the other being the neighbouring town of Kilrush (see Irish railway history).

[edit] Life

The town is undergoing serious expansion with the development of hotels estates and other forms of housing. During peak tourist season the beach or "horse shoe" bay is littered with tourists. The towns main source of money is the tourist industry, so many recreational places are set up all along the town, including restaurants, pubs, and cafes. In high season the town is thronged, with the nightlife being particularly lively.

Kilkee features many walking routes for which it is renowned. There are several treks leading out of the town over the cliffs in both directions. From the cliffs, one can on a fine day see all the way to the Aran islands.