Way: Dolphin Cycleway
Trailheads: The cycleway starts and ends at Kilkee.
Services: Kilkee and Carrigaholt.
Distance: 27kms
Time: Approximately half a day
Difficulty:Easy to Moderate
Traffic: Traffic generally very light
Terrain: Generally flat coastline route with a few short climbs
To Suit: Suitable for people of medium levels of fitness.
Minimum Gear: Helmet, bike, mobile phone, fluid, snacks, waterproofs and a rucksack.
A day trip with an opportunity to catch up with the Dolphins in Carrigaholt Bay is one of highlights on this scenic cycle route.
The cycleway starts at the seafront in Kilkee, Co. Clare and follows the R478 veering left towards Doonaha where you link up with the Loop Head Cycleway to Carrigaholt. This is a pretty harbour village with an abundance of sea life and of course the now famous Dolphin Watch. An office near the jetty takes bookings for the dolphin trips. At the far end of the shingle beach is an ancient castle built in 1480 by the McMahon clan. Carrigaholt is an ideal place to stop off and have some refreshments before venturing inland along the hedge-lined road that leads to the R487 where you make a right turn for Kilkee. 3.5 kilometres further on turn left and follow the scenic route towards the dramatic Atlantic coastline with marvellous views of this spectacular seascape. From here there is a gentle back to Kilkee, arriving at the West end of the town.
Dolphin Cycleway Downloadable Map
Shannon Region Cycleways Downloadable Map
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903
