Three centres of marine activities
Kilbaha
The most westerly village on the Loophead Peninsula. It has a small picturesque harbour with outstanding views of the River Shannon and county Kerry on the other side of the river. Pubs, restaurants and post office are located centrally around the bay.
The pier was built in the early of the 19th century to cater for the large numbers of people making their livelihood from fishing, seaweed gathering and piloting the large ships going up the river Shannon to Limerick docks. It also was used by cargo ships bringing supplies to the Loophead lighthouse. The lighthouse, is 4 miles west of the village but its brooding presence is felt everywhere in the area. A lighthouse was first built on the loophead in 1670 but it was not until 1820 that the present tower was built to cater for the increased shipping traffic going up the river to Limerick. It was automated in 1991 and now the lighthouse keepers’ houses have been turned into excellent holiday cottages.
Carrigaholt
Carrigaholt is a picturesque fishing village situated on the southern side of the Loophead Peninsula within an important natural environment and centred between two harbours. Although both piers are used by fishing boats only the one to the south of the village (the ‘new’ pier) is fully operational on a commercial basis serving fishing boats and dolphin watching boats. The village has a very attractive centre, displaying distinctive streetscapes and local character.
The harbour and Carrigaholt castle are distinctive land marks of the village. The castle was built in 1480 by the McMahons and since then has had a chequered history. In 1588, seven ships of the Spanish Armada anchored in the bay but were refused permission to land. In 1589 the castle was captured by OBrien, the Earl of Thomond. Later it became a training ground for Clare’s Dragoons regiment of horse. Last inhabitants (Burton) left late in the 19th century.ole family, young or old to a splashing great day out in Kilkee's Waterworld. Boasting a range of fun features and atmospheres. Guysers and gushers, bubbles and whirls, the thrill of the slide or our lazy river ride will leave the whole family in a sea of smiles.
Kilkee
Kilkee is a well-known seaside resort. It first came to prominence in the early 19th century and many of its old buildings and streetscapes are evidence of its popularity if the Victorian era. It is built around a semicircular bay with a 1Km beach of golden sand. Because of the Duggerna reef which stretches across its mouth the bay is naturally sheltered from the force of the Atlantic. For the reason the beach is the base for a lot of marine-based activities, swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, pleasure boating. Scuba diving is a very important aqua sport with a dedicated dive centre beside the small pier. The high cliffs on either side of the bay make the town an attractive base for walking.
Kilkee, more than any other seaside resort, retains its unique character as a 19th Century bathing place. The town itself contains several protected structures and many fine building and a large area of the town centre is designated an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), recognising the historical and architectural importance of the townscape and layout of the core area. It has a very large accommodation base including hotels, B&Bs and self-catering as well as a shopping area.
