Travel to Kilkee - The West of Ireland
Kilkee in County Clare - Ireland
The west of Ireland has a wild beauty. Kilkee is on the Atlantic Ocean, and is a popular vacation spot. It features a sandy beach. It's close to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. That doesn't count the pubs and beautiful Irish countryside.
The rocky landscape of The Burren is a nature-lovers dream, featuring diverse species from Mediterranean and Arctic environments.
The dramatic Cliffs of Moher are among Ireland's most popular tourist destinations. They show the power of the Atlantic
I was lucky enough to visit Ireland a few years ago, particularly in and around Kilkee, where my girlfriend and her mother operated a bed and breakfast.
Kilkee was developed in part because of its proximity to Limerick. A century ago, a narrow-gauge railway was built to bring vacationers up from the city for a seaside holiday. Now the main road from Ennis and Kilrush is the usual route to Kilkee. Shannon is the nearest airport.
Photos by kimbesa
Kilkee Beach At Low Tide
Explore Kilkee and Surrounding Sights
A New View Around Every Corner
Once you are in Kilkee, you can explore the rest of Clare as you wish, from the cliffs, the Burren, Aillwee Cave, as well as many shops that use local products to make tasty, fragrant and charming things to remind you of your trip.
More of my photos:
- The Atlantic cliffs around Kilkee
- Ferry across the River Shannon headed for County Limerick
- My friend Siobhan enjoying a peat fire in a pub
- Primroses at her B&B in Kilkee
- Monk's Pub in Ballyvaughn on Galway Bay
Photos by kimbesa
Where is Kilkee?
The Beach at Kilkee - One Gray Afternoon
I didn't have a panoramic lens, so I stitched the images together as best I know how without special software, to give a view of the entire beach at Kilkee.
February is not the best time to go to Ireland, but when you have the chance, you go. Spring is coming at that time of year, and the landscape is already getting green.
My friend lived in Ireland for quite a few years, and she told me that in the summer, Ireland is almost neon bright, it is so green.
Photo by kimbesa
Visit Ireland | One Beautiful Country
Lots to Explore and Enjoy
Kilkee is a handy jumping off spot for local travel all around West Clare. The Burren, an area of craggy limestone rocks, plays host to plants that commonly grow in arctic, alpine and Mediterranean regions, due to the unique climate in Ireland.
In the Burren, they grow in the same place, between the limestone rocks.
Average home landscapes sport a variety of plants as well. It is really strange to see species that are "houseplants" in North American, like the Monkey Puzzle Tree for example, growing outdoors in a "northern" location. It's the Gulf Stream that makes all the difference.
Botanists, photographers and artists flock to the Burren in the summer to study and enjoy the variety there. It's also home to Poulnabrone, a megalithic tomb famous for its dramatic perch above this windswept landscape.
The Cliffs of Moher are also famous for their dramatic beauty. You feel that you really are on the edge of a continent, with the Atlantic Ocean spread out before you.
I enjoyed my time in Kilkee and Ireland, and I appreciate my friend Siobhan for inviting me! I'd love to travel there again sometime!.
Photo by kimbesa
Bed and Breakfast Charm - Jasper Enjoys a Sunny Window
Sitting Room at Rosewood Cottage B&B
Typical Beachfront Buildings at Kilkee - Holiday Cottages and Homes
A vacation is called a holiday in Ireland. People go "on holiday" and sometimes stay in "holiday homes" like these.
Photo by kimbesa