THE LOOP HEAD PENINSULA, COUNTY CLARE


The Loop Head Peninsula is a special place, less than 25 kms from end to end, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean like a gnarly finger. The Peninsula is almost completely surrounded


by Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Habitat Areas, ranging from Poulnasherry Bay to the Kilkee Reefs and Mutton Island. The Peninsula is famous for its wildlife, beaches, cliffs (most over 30 metres in height), caves and sea stacks.


a special place


Kilkee is the Peninsula’s main town and a popular seaside resort. It first came to prominence in the early 19th century when among the visitors were poets Lord Alfred Tennyson and Sir Aubrey de Vere. Kilkee is built around a semi-circular 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 this reason it is the centre for a lot of the Peninsula’s marine-based activities including swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking and pleasure boating. The high cliffs on either side of the bay make the town an ideal base for walking. Kilkee also has an excellent coastal golf course.


Kilkee provides plenty of accommodation options, including hotels, B&Bs and self-catering holiday homes. It also offers a great choice of restaurants and pubs, many of which have traditional music entertainment.


Carrigaholt is a picturesque fishing village situated on the southern side of the Peninsula, watched over by a 15th century castle, and centred between two harbours. The famous dolphin- watching boat trips operate from here, providing you with the opportunity to get close to Bottlenose Dolphins as they interact with each other in their marine environment. The village has a very attractive centre, with distinctive streetscapes, seafood restaurants and cosy pubs.


Kilbaha is the most westerly village on the Peninsula. It has a small picturesque harbour with outstanding views of the River Shannon and County Kerry, cosy pubs and restaurants. The famous Loop Head lighthouse is just over 6 kilometres to the west of the village.


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