Self Catering Holiday Cottage Kilkee Co.Clare Ireland

Swimming, Diving & Snorkeling
Safe Swimming is possible right in front of the house on the beach. Other popular spots are the pollock holes (all year long!) at low tide, and the pier on the other side of the bay. Jacques Cousteau claimed the waters of Loophead were the best diving in Europe. The Kilkee Diving And Watersports centre (diveireland.com) offers diving activities as well as deep sea angling, dolphin trips, sailing lessons and jet skiing. On offer are full organised dive tours, full rib and equipment hire. Surfing, Kayaking, Coasteering, Sailing courses for adults and kids are offered by nevsailwatersports.com

Walking & Cycling
The cliff walks in Kilkee are among the best in the world. There's a paved walkway along the fantastic scenery starting at the Westend, a mere 10 mins. walk from the house. Another exiting walk begins near the golf links course on the east end (a 10 mins. walk away) and lead's around stunning George's Head. This walk is not paved and should only be taken in quiet, dry conditions. The loophead cycleway can be explored individually (bike hire at William's Hardware, 5 mins. walk from the house)) or on bike tours which can be arranged with bogroadbiketours.com. Click here for more suggested walking & cycling routes in the area.

Sightseeing
A drive along the amazing coastal scenery between Kilkee and Loop Head Lighthouse is a must and is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The scenic drive commences at the east end, 1 min. drive from the house.
The other famous cliffs on our coast, the Cliffs of Moher are only 40 mins away; a little bit further to the North is Doolin (where boats are leaving to the Aran Islands) and the unique limestone area of the Burren, a heaven for walkers, climbers and botanists. Also recommended is a stroll through the shopping streets of Ennis with its medieval atmosphere, as well as visiting Bunratty Castle & Folk Park which features many traditional buildings from the area. Medieval dinners are also arranged there throughout the year.
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Traditional Music and Festivals
Traditional Irish music is available in many pubs in our local villages and towns. Myles Creek in Kilkee (a 5 mins. walk) has session every Sunday year round at 8.30 pm. Festivals take place in Moyasta (in September), Carrigaholt, Kilrush (August), Doonbeg (end of october) and laszt not least there is the wonderful internationally renowned Willy Clancy Summer School in the first week of July in Miltown Malbay. It is Ireland's largest traditional music summer school with nearly a thousand students from every part of the world attending daily classes taught by experts in Irish music and dance. Find out moreabout traditional music in Clare [here...

Fishing
Good places for fishing can be found on the inland waters in West Clare, as well as on the coast and in Poulnasherry bay on the Shannon estuary. The rocky outcrops on the Dunlicky coast road - the scenic cliff drive - are suitable for spinning for pollack and great mackerel fishing, but use caution on the cliffs! Fresh fish can be bought early mornings from 8 or 9 am on the corner outside Hickeys bar in Kilkee when the Mackerel are running.

Birdwatching
Over forty-one species of birds have been recorded in Poulnasherry Bay. It is a designated SPA, an important ornithological site and an important breeding area for Brent Geese. Loop Head is very popular with birdwatchers from all over the world. This popularity is due to the range of seabirds that breed here each summer (including Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins and Gannets), and in particular due to the autumn passage of an amazing array of seabirds and waders. The best months are August through October, when West and NW winds blow many of the passing seabirds close to shore, so allowing excellent viewing. Seabirds regularly seen here in good numbers include Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, Storm and Leaches Petrels, and Great, Pomarine and Arctic Skuas. Sightings of Little Stints, Curlew and the American Buff-breasted Sandpiper have been made, and there are many other rare species seen from time to time the local viewing points in the area.