Page 127 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 11: Lyrical Clare 125

4 Kilkee
Co Clare
In summer, Kilkee is popular with out-of-towners, mostly from
Limerick, who come for its splendid crescent-shaped beach. When
the tide is fully out, deep rock pools known as the Pollock Holes can
be explored at the southern end of the sands; they are favourite
swimming and snorkelling spots. The cliffs on either side of the
beach offer good walks with stunning views.

A 45-minute cliff walk Heading away from the cliff edge,
The cliffs above Kilkee offer scenery take the first left down Dunlicky Road
almost as dramatic as that of the and into Kilkee. Along the way are
Cliffs of Moher (see p126), but are less views across Kilkee and over the bay.
visited. This walk begins to the left of For a longer walk, adding a further
Kilkee beach in the so-called West 4 km (2 miles), turn right instead of
End. From the public car park next left on Dunlicky Road and follow it
to the Diamond Rocks Café 1, to Goleen Bay.
where there is a life size statue of Back in the West End, explore the Above The cliffs at Loop Head, along the
the actor Richard Harris, who was a delights of Kilkee’s beach. If the tide scenic drive from Kilkee
frequent visitor to Kilkee as a child, is out scramble over the rocks in
a paved path gently ascends to the front of the car park to the three
top of the cliffs. To the right, just Pollock Holes 4, deep tidal pools
beyond the café, are flat, limestone popular with snorkellers. For snacks
slabs known as the Diamond Rocks or lunch, the Diamond Rocks Café
2, a natural amphitheatre used for has a terrace with views to George’s
musical and theatrical events in Head. In summer, vendors on the
summer. About 50 m (164 ft) further seafront sell periwinkles and dillish – VISITING KILKEE
on is a shelter with seating and a an edible sea grass gathered from
look out. On a clear day, the hazy the rock pools. Parking
Park by the beach in the town’s West
silhouettes of the three Aran Islands ª From Kilkee, either take a scenic End, next to the Diamond Rocks Café.
are visible to the north, and the drive around Loop Head (23 km/15
outline of the Kerry coastline can be miles) on the R487, or head direct to
discerned to the south. To the west is Milltown Malbay on the coastal N67. EAT AND DRINK
the tapering finger of Loop Head. From there it is possible to continue
The paved path continues for towards Ennistimon (an attractive ENNIS
about 1.5 km (1 mile) to Foohagh market town with painted shop fronts), Rowan Tree Café Bar moderate
Point 3, where it curves left, away which offers an alternative inland route Mediterranean-style food is on offer
from the cliff edge. The final section, to the Burren continuing on the N67 via at this café in a lovely old manor
house with an outdoor terrace.
which gets progressively steeper, Lisdoonvarna. To experience the full Accommodation is available in the
overlooks Intrinsic Bay, named after drama of Clare’s coastline, however, hostel next door.
a Liverpool-bound cargo ship which turn left off the N67 at Lehinch, taking Harmony Row; 065 686 8669;
sank in a gale here in 1830. the R478 to the Cliffs of Moher. www.rowantreecafebar.ie
Town Hall Bistro moderate
Part of the Old Ground Hotel, but
0 metres 800 with a separate entrance. The
restaurant offers a contemporary
Moore Bay
0 yards 800 Diamond Rocks dining experience with an emphasis
Diamond Rocks Cafe on bistro-style dishes.
Pollock Holes O’Connell St; 065 682 8127;
www.flynnhotels.com
Kilkee
Beach KILKEE
D U N L I C K Y R O A D KILKEE The Strand Restaurant and
Guesthouse moderate
Family-run restaurant and guesthouse
on the seafront overlooking Kilkee Bay.
Foohagh
Point The menu leans towards seafood but
also includes mainstays such as rack of
lamb and fillet steak. Has six en-suite
rooms above the restaurant.
Strand Line; 065 905 6177;
www.thestrandkilkee.com
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50
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