kilkee

A resort town, 12 km from Ross, built along a fine beach in Moore Bay, the entrance which is protected from the full force of the Atlantic by a reef known as the Duggerna Rocks.

Kilkee has, of course, like virtually every townland in Ireland, an early history of saints and warriors but its career as a seaside resort took off in early Victorian times. The affluent families of Limerick City built themselves summer villas, "lodges", near the beach which offered safe swimming, ocean breezes and interesting walks. The Diamond Rocks and Pollock Holes - holes which retain the sea water when the tide recedes and form natural swimming pools - are worth seeing. There are dramatic cliff walks at both the east and west end of the beautiful crescent beach, which is safe for bathing and is popular with families. The resort has retained its Victorian charm although the range of amusements has widened considerably since then. They include tennis, squash, golf, pitch and putt, children's amusements, skin diving and other water sports.

The Sweeney Memorial Library, built with the aid of an emigrant legacy, besides being an impressive building, provides a good range of library facilities.