by Brian Kenny | Jul 14, 2009 | Clare
White Strand, Killard, Doonbeg
June 2009
How many beaches in Ireland are called White Strand ? Who knows, but here’s another one.
This is a nice, small and secluded beach, sheltered by rocks at either end. A good feature is steps down to the sand from a couple of locations. This White Strand looks across the bay to its big brother beach at Doughmore Bay called, you’ve guessed it, White Strand.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Blue Flag beach
The beach is buggy accessible, but not wheelchairs.
Killard has a good size car park. Watch out for the memorial to Pat McDonnell, 1912 Olympic shotput champion, who was born near the beach in 1878.
Directions
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Access is off the N67 between Kilkee and Doonbeg. About 5km from Kilkee you take a left turn at the signpost for The White Strand B and B. The beach itself wasnt signposted when we were there( surprise, surprise) but if you follow the ‘White Strand’ B and B signs they will take you there.
Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 57
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by Brian Kenny | Jul 14, 2009 | Clare
Fanore Beach
June 2009
Fanore is a wide and long sandy beach, popular with families, young people and surfers.
While the beach is open there are rocks to shelter from the wind. It’s also dotted with pools for the kids to play in. The Burren is a spectacular backdrop and the Fanore dune system which surrounds the beach is designated as a European special area of conservation.
This is a popular surfing location with a surf school in operation when we were there. Surfers will enjoy the wavy sea when the wind blows. The water here is clear and fresh and the Burren is a lovely backdrop for your swim. But you need to be careful when the wind is blowing. Again, this is more suitable for people who like to mess about in the waves than go for a leisurely swim.
Blue Flag beach with lifeguards during the summer months.
There is also good parking and O.K. toilets.
Buggy accessible, but not wheelchairs
Directions
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Fanore is located on the R477 between Doolin and Ballyvaughan and is sign-posted.
Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 51
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by Brian Kenny | Jul 14, 2009 | Clare
Spanish Point
June 2009
Spanish Point is a popular holiday location and its long, sandy beach is well known to its many regular visitors.
This is a good beach for walkers, swimmers and surfers. Its high cliffs give some protection from the winds, although like most beaches used for surfing the sea can get wavy so be careful. As can be seen from the photos you will need to take care while swimming here.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Blue Flag beach.
There is also a large car park and basic toilets.
Directions
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Travelling from Lahinch you go on the N67 and then take a right turn onto the R482 signposted for Spanish Point.
Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 51
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by Brian Kenny | Jul 14, 2009 | Clare
Pollock Holes, Kilkee
June 2009
The Pollock Holes are well known to thousands of swimmers from Clare, Limerick and beyond. They are an institution.
This is a swimming place which isn’t immediately obvious and to get there you go down the steps from the car park and out onto the flagstones well worn by thousands of swimmers before you. If in doubt just follow the ‘crowd’.
The Pollock Holes are lovely, clear sea pools uncovered when the tide is out. So you need to time your visit and check the tide times. While the Atlantic waves may beat on the rocks a hundred yards beyond you, the pools themselves are usually calm and protected. They do take a bit of effort getting into, but they are well worth the effort.
After your swim you can retire to the café near the car park for tea and hot scones. Perfect.
Watch out also for the statue of the late, Limerick born actor, Richard Harris, just beyond the café at the beginning of the cliff walk.
Not buggy or wheelchair accessible.
Directions
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The Pollock Holes are located just outside Kilkee town. To reach them you drive through the town and at the roundabout you take the L 2009, sign-posted Coast Road. Follow this road as it winds alongside the beach until you come to the car park.
Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 63
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by Brian Kenny | Jul 12, 2009 | Lakes, Rivers, Wicklow
A walk and a swim that’s well worth the effort.
Start at the pier gates , if you come from the sally gap will give you spectacular views of lough Tay
This is a private estate but is open to walkers and hikers ( but not dogs). You start down a tarred road where after a short while you come to a sign which says Lough Dan 2 Irish Miles. From here its about a 40-50 minute walk
The tarred road leads you across a wooden bridge , across a stile and then onto a soft grassy track with stone walls on either side. To your left runs the River xxx and in the large often wet fields a large herd of deer often graze. As you proceed the large broadleaf bend low almost touching the rivers water
The grassy track leads to an old derelict two story house and from there you can wend your way to the lakes edge and a small sandy area
Here is the lake on one side and behind you the river runs into lough dan
The lake is large and impressive with Knocknacloghue on one side and Kanturk on the other
The lake bottom is sandy and not too deep as you enter. A gentle lapping sound and a nice spot for a picnic. No fires.
Directions : Take the r115 military road from Dublin city past Glencree to the sally gap. Here take the r759 signposted roundwood after you pass Lough Tay you come soon to a large set of gates with a sign for the Lough Dan estate
