Kilkee is a magnificent place for swimming and offers a wide range of options from children enjoying their first dip to year-round ocean swimmers who come to enjoy the large sandy beach and the crystal-clear Atlantic water.
Kilkee Beach has Blue Flag status, a wide range of amenities, and a choice of varied and exciting swimming options for all ages and abilities.
The stunning horseshoe bay is protected from the wilds of the Atlantic Ocean, by the Duggerna reef, making it one of the safer beaches to enjoy on the West Coast of Ireland.
During the summer months, the beach has lifeguard stations to ensure your safety, on duty from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily starting 4th June to 31st August and for the first two weekends in September.
Anyone swimming in the sea is advised to respect the ocean and take safety precautions, you can read the Irish Government guidelines here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a00ea-summer-water-safety/.
It's always important to exercise caution and pay attention to any warning signs or advice from local authorities regarding swimming conditions.
There are many different swimming experiences to enjoy in Kilkee, here is our guide:
Kilkee Beach, is sandy, shallow, and manned by lifeguards from June -August perfect for families.
The Pollock Holes: A series of naturally formed rockpools, is a unique experience to swim in the freshly exposed Atlantic waters. These pools are very popular with locals and visitors alike for swimming and snorkeling. The pools disappear at high tide and are suitable for swimming at low tides only.
Byrnes Cove: A pebble beach with a path and ladders into a rock-surrounded cove. Historically its secluded position made it the cove for naked men only, nowadays enjoyed by everyone.
Sandy cove: A sandy slip into a rock-surrounded cove.
Newfoundout: Three different heights sprung diving boards to plunge straight into the ocean.
The Pier: a gentle slipway into the sandy beach is the favored spot for the year-round swimmers who gather every day at 11.00 for their daily dip.
Note that the beach is the ONLY area manned by lifeguards:
Accessible Beach wheelchair
Specially adapted beach Hippocampe chairs are available at the lifeguard station. The chairs with specially-designed wheels are free of charge. Users will require a carer or personal assistance to operate them. To book please contact the lifeguard station on 087 1647075.