Blue Flag 2026

Kilkee

Co. Clare, Ireland

Water qualityExcellent EPA

Blue Flag 2026Yes

Green CoastNo

DogsSeasonal

Always verify the car-park location on arrival. Road and access conditions may change.

About Kilkee

Kilkee is a classic Blue Flag beach set in a sheltered horseshoe bay on the west Clare coast, protected by the Duggerna Reef. Lifeguarded in summer with calm, safe swimming, it has been a beloved seaside resort for generations, with the famous Pollock Holes natural swimming pools nearby. The Victorian town, the cliff walks and the wide sandy strand make it a perfect family beach with plenty to do beyond the sand.

The Pollock Holes, diving boards and cliff walk

Kilkee's swimming culture centres on the Pollock Holes — a set of natural tidal swimming pools in the flat rocks at the west end of the bay, refreshed by every tide and ideal for children and less confident swimmers when the tide is out. For the brave, the New Found Out diving boards offer dives of up to around 13 metres into deep water. Above the shore, the Kilkee Cliff Walk begins at the Diamond Rocks Cafe and follows the dramatic Duggerna cliffs. Together the tidal pools, the boards and the cliff walk are the signatures of a Victorian resort that has drawn sea-swimmers for generations.

Get directions to the car park

This opens the verified car-park pin — never the beach itself or a mid-route point.

📍 Get directions to the car park

Pin confirmed at 52.6813, -9.6512. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.

Map

Verified car-park pin.

Activity suitability

Swimming — Safe
Surfing — Beginner
Walking — Good walk (1–3km)
Lifeguard (summer) — Yes

Facilities

Toilets — Yes
Car park — Paid
Disabled access — Yes
Lifeguard — Yes
Not yet confirmed: Shower, Café nearby

Facilities confirmed from Clare County Council and Fáilte Ireland Source.

Water quality

Water quality information is sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland and is updated annually. During the bathing season real-time water quality updates are available at beaches.ie. Always check beaches.ie and local signage at the beach before swimming, particularly after heavy rainfall. IrishBeaches.ie accepts no liability for water quality conditions at the time of your visit.

EPA classification: Excellent (latest annual bathing-water assessment). Always check beaches.ie for the current rating.

Where to stay nearby

Search accommodation near Kilkee

Verified local listings for Clare are coming as we build out our accommodation guide.

Nearby golf

From the GolfIreland.ie network. Distances are straight-line (as the crow flies), not driving distance.