Kilkee

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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 is particularly popular as a seaside resort with people from Limerick City. 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. Kilkee has regularly been awarded the Blue Flag by the European Commission. Kilkee has seen many famous guests through the years including 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.

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[edit] Sport

Along with bathing on the strand, swimmers can choose among the Pollock Holes, New Found Out, Byrnes Cove, and Paradise Cove. The Pollock Holes, on the west end of town, are natural rock-enclosed pools, with water that is changed by every tide. The diving boards at New Found Out allow for dives of up to 13 metres (45 feet) into the open sea.

Kilkee is also a mecca for divers. The Kilkee Diving & Watersports Centre is fully-equipped and 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.

Kilkee strand
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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 peek tourist season the 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 restraunts, pubs, arcades and golf courses.

Kilkee features many walking routes. 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.

A view of the bay from Hickie's pub
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A view of the bay from Hickie's pub

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 52°41′N 9°39′W

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