Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
1–30 Sep 2027 · Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
A whole month of music, dancing and matchmaking in the Clare spa town: the famous festival that has paired people off since the days of the harvest fairs.
Kilkee
A seaside resort on Moore Bay in west Clare, built for Atlantic weather and family summers by the water.
Best sites to see in Kilkee
Kilkee Beach and Moore Bay
A sheltered, horseshoe-shaped sandy bay on the Atlantic, the focus of the town since its days as a Victorian resort, with a promenade along the strand.
Kilkee Cliff Walk
A coastal path from the West End of town along dramatic cliffs, with views over the Atlantic towards the Aran Islands on a clear day.
The Pollock Holes
Natural rock pools in the reef at the West End, exposed at low tide and long popular for swimming, with views to George's Head.
Diamond Rocks and the West End
The rocky shore at the end of the promenade, named for its glistening rock formations, with a cafe and the start of the cliff walk.
Where to stand, and when
- The cliff walk above the West End: Sunset gives the best light over the Atlantic and back along the cliffs towards the town.
- The promenade above Moore Bay: Photograph in the morning for light across the full curve of the horseshoe bay.
- The Pollock Holes at low tide: Time your visit for a falling tide in late afternoon, and take care on wet rock.
Kilkee through history
Kilkee grew into a popular seaside resort in the 19th century, drawing visitors from Limerick and beyond to its sheltered bay.
The writer Charlotte Bronte visited Kilkee in 1854 during her honeymoon tour of Ireland.
Kilkee stands near the start of the Loop Head Peninsula, the strip of west Clare coast between the Atlantic and the Shannon Estuary.
Sea bathing and the rock pools at the West End have been part of the town's visitor tradition since Victorian times.
Practical tips
- The Pollock Holes are only accessible around low tide, so check tide times before you go and watch the returning tide.
- The cliff walk is exposed to Atlantic wind, so wear sturdy shoes and a windproof layer.
- Promenade parking is limited in high summer, so arrive early in the day or stay within walking distance of the beach.