Podcasts about Kilkee

It's being argued new parking rules for a West Clare tourism hotspot will make it "even more attractive" and provide further support to the local economy. New bye-laws which will see pay-and-display parking all-year-round in Kilkee have been approved by local elected representatives at a special meeting of the West Clare Municipal District.

Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland have both reported higher then expected interest in holidays here. Our reporter Peter O'Connell spoke to visitors in Kilkee, Co Clare, about why they made Ireland their holiday destination.

Communities across Clare have been waiting years for meaningful flood protection, and while progress is being made on a number of major schemes, the latest Government update shows some residents will be waiting a lot longer.   The Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme isn't expected to be completed until late 2032, while the Kilkee scheme is targeting completion in 2029 and work continues on plans for Bunratty.  Joining Derrick Lynch earlier to discuss the timelines, the investment involved, and what this means for communities living with the ongoing risk of flooding were Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney and Cratloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat O'Gorman.  Photo (c) Joe Garrihy via Facebook

A community sunrise walk in Kilkee is set to bring people together for a very special cause.   Beat the Darkness 2026, organised by Evan Garvey Fitness, will see participants gather before dawn and walk along the coast as the sun rises over the Atlantic, raising funds and awareness for MS Ireland and West Clare Mental Health Association.    The event is about community, resilience, and showing support for those affected by illness and mental health challenges.   Joining Alan Morrissey to talk about the importance of the fundraiser and the work behind it were Susan Coote from MS Ireland, and Evan Garvey, organiser of Beat the Darkness. Image (c) Beat The Darkness via Eventbrite

Funding of up to €13m will be sought for the redevelopment of the Mars Cinema in Kilrush. It comes as the Kilrush Town Team has confirmed its intention to apply to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the allocation. Clare County Council meanwhile has signalled its intention to commence a Part X planning application for the Kilkee to Kilrush section of the West Clare Greenway. Senior Executive Planner Aisling Leahy says it will be a gamechanger for the region.

This Saturday marks the 105th anniversary of the Truce that brought the War of Independence to an end in July 1921.     To commemorate the occasion, the Kilkee War of Independence Committee is holding a ceremony at the town's War of Independence monument, where the names of 250 local men and women who played a role in the struggle for independence are inscribed.     Chairperson Lily Marrinan joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the event and why it's important to remember those who served their community and country. Photo (c) Kilkee Memorial Committee

From painting the walls of his family home as a child in Germany to creating eye-catching public murals here in west Clare, artist Marcus Vallboehmer has turned a lifelong passion for colour into a successful career.   Now living in Farrihy, near Doonbeg, Marcus is the artist behind the striking new mural of Charlotte Brontë on the White Walls in Kilkee, celebrating the famous novelist's connection to the seaside town.   Marcus joined Alan Morrissey to talk about his journey from Germany to Clare, his unique artistic style, and the inspiration behind his latest work. Photo (c) Marcus Vallböhmer via Facebook

Residents of Kilkee say they've been left enormously disappointed following the High Court's decision to quash a judicial review aiming to block controversial plans for a wastewater treatment plant. The Save Kilkee Cliff Walk Campaign had raised over €100,000 to take legal action against Uisce Éireann's plans to build a sewerage treatment plant in close proximity to Kilkee Cliff Walk. Reaching a decision in the High Court on Sunday, Judge Richard Humphreys said overturning the plans "would be disproportionate". Campaign Spokesperson Joanne Dillon has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan they've been left deflated by the decision but are not giving up.

It's being argued that the West Clare Railway Greenway could be "bigger than Moneypoint" in terms of its economic impact. Clare County Council has confirmed its submitting the first section of the long-awaited project to An Coimisiún Pleánala for development consent. The local authority has also commenced steps to acquire lands for the Kilrush to Kilkee stretch. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch believes the knock-on effect of the greenway can't be understated.

The Kilkee Brontë Festival returns later this month, celebrating the unique connection between one of the world's most famous literary families and the West Clare seaside town where Charlotte Brontë spent part of her honeymoon.   This year's festival, running from the 17th to the 19th of July, features talks from leading Brontë experts, along with art, local history and guided tours.   Joining Alan Morrissey were the Festival Director, Jenny Bassett, Principal Curator of the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Yorkshire, Ann Dinsdale, and award-winning writer and journalist Sharon Wright, who has co-authored a new book on the Brontë family with Ann, called Let Me In: The Brontë's in Bricks and Mortar. Photo (c) Kilkee Civic Trust

Good weather is great news for most of us, but for businesses along Ireland's coast, a spell of sunshine can make the difference between just getting by and having a really successful season.     As recent reports have highlighted, cafés, ice cream shops, activity providers and seaside businesses have seen a major boost whenever the sun shines, with many saying a busy few weeks can help pay the bills for the year.     This morning, Alan Morrissey was joined by two coastal business owners to hear how this recent spell of good weather has affected trade, the challenges that come with the seasonal rush, and what a sunny summer really means for businesses that depend on visitors; Carmel Connaire, of the Coffee Hatch on the prom, and Elaine Haugh Hayes, of Naughton's Yard and Naughton's Restaurant in Kilkee. Photo (c) Clare FM

A GAA player had to be airlifted to hospital from the Loop Head Peninsula last week (Thursday night, 18th June) after suffering an injury during a training session in Cross. While the player is expected to make a full recovery, the incident has once again raised questions about ambulance availability in West Clare, with reports that no local ambulance was available at the time. It has also reignited calls for improved emergency medical services in the region, including a dedicated air ambulance base for West Clare. To discuss the issue, West Clare health campaigner Deirdre Culligan, who is involved with the Friends of Ennis Hospital and Reinstate ShannonDoc campaigns, and Cillian Murphy, a Kilkee resident and former councillor, joined Alan Morrissey on the programme.

Coastal erosion and rising sea levels are posing an increasing threat to communities around Ireland, and a new report from the University of Galway is warning that urgent action is needed. The study estimates that thousands of properties and hundreds of kilometres of roads are already at risk and calls for a national masterplan to help communities adapt to the challenges ahead. To discuss the findings and what they could mean for coastal areas in County Clare and beyond, Alan Morrissey was joined by Cillian Murphy, Kilkee resident and former Councillor. Photo (c) Clare FM

Alan Morrissey was joined by Dearbhaile O'Hare and Karen Kruger, organisers of the upcoming “Cancer Take A Hike” event taking place in Kilkee on the 13th of June.  The group will set off from Diamond Rocks Café and follow the breathtaking Kilkee Cliff Walk, a gentle 12km out-and-back coastal route along one of the most dramatic stretches of the Atlantic coastline.   Participants will pass landmarks such as Bishop's Island, St Kee's Well, and the ruins of Dunlicky Castle, with plenty of time to pause, take in the sea views, and enjoy good company along the way.  After the hike, there's an optional recovery experience with a sauna, ice bath, or hot tub at An Botháinín Sauna for those who want to unwind and recharge.  The event is free to take part in, with donations welcome in support of West Clare Cancer Support. It promises fresh air, connection, and a powerful message at its heart—quite literally, to tell cancer to take a hike. Photo (c) Cancer Take A Hike

Imagine setting out alone to walk almost 500 kilometres across some of the most remote and challenging terrain in Europe. That's exactly what Clare man Dermot Cosgrove is doing right now as he treks across Iceland from Húsavík in the north to Vík on the south coast, a journey expected to take 21 days. Originally from Ennis and now living in Kilkee, Dermot is undertaking the challenge to raise funds for Irish Dogs for the Disabled, a charity that provides specially trained assistance dogs free of charge to children and adults with physical disabilities. A former member of the French Foreign Legion and no stranger to adventure, Dermot joined Alan Morrissey from Iceland to tell us about the journey so far and the cause driving him forward. Photo (c) via The Clare Herald

A number of criticial water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Clare are a step closer to coming to fruition. The Commission for Regulator of Utilities' has made a determination which provides for €13.6 million in in capital investment and operational expenditure for Uisce Éireann. It means several Clare projects will be progressed, including those already underway such as the new wastewater treatment plant in Ballyvaughan and the upgrade to the plant in Newmarket-on-Fergus, along with planned developments in Kilkee, Lahinch and Ennistymon. Uisce Éireann Director of Asset Management Sean Laffey says it ensures capacity for growth within communities while also protecting the environment.

World MS Day is marked globally on May 30, with this year's theme focusing on diagnosis. For many, receiving a multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be life-changing, bringing uncertainty and emotional challenges. Each person's experience of MS is different, and the condition is often invisible. Marty Fennell, who lives with MS, is leading “Looping the Loop” — a 50km open-water rowing challenge around Loop Head to raise funds for local MS support. Organised by Loop Head Rowing Club, crews will row from Kilkee around the Loop Head peninsula, past the lighthouse, and on to Carrigaholt along the Shannon Estuary. Marty joined Derrick Lynch to share his story and highlight the challenge. We were also joined by John McDonald, regional community worker with MS Ireland, to discuss plans for a new MS Ireland Resource Centre in Limerick. The centre, which will support people in Clare and North Tipperary, aims to provide a welcoming space focused on improving the well-being of those living with MS and other neurological conditions, and is expected to open later this year.

To look at the forecast Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather and our reporter Peter O'Connell is in Kilkee speaking to some tourists and the locals.

Homeowners living along the main road from Kilrush to Kilkee on the N67 at Leadmore East are seeking urgent action before any further loss of life or serious collisions occur on their road. Some residents have been seeking footpaths from the area to Kilrush town for over 50 years, however they've been consistently told by authorities that the project is either too expensive and could cost up to €250,000 or too complicated due to land acquisition and design issues. In recent years, there have been four fatal incidents on the stretch, while collisions are a regular occurrence due to what locals say is excessive speeding, heavy traffic and dips in the road causing visual obstructions. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan visited Leadmore where several residents expressed their lived experience beginning with Dr Anne Marie Carr.

A north Clare Fine Gael councillor is blaming successive governments - including his own party - for the loss of his local beach's blue flag. An Taisce has confirmed that Ballycuggeran, Cappagh Pier, Fanore, Kilkee, Mountshannon Lough Derg, Spanish Point, White Strand Doonbeg and White Strand Miltown Malbay have all retained blue flag status at this year's awards ceremony. Lahinch is the only beach in the county bestowed with the status in 2025 which hasn't held onto it this year. Local Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he believes the State has failed to adequately maintain local wastewater treatment infrastructure.

All but one of Clare's bathing sites received an excellent water quality rating from the Environmental Protection Agency last year. The EPA's latest audit of the 153 bathing waters nationwide, shows Lahinch Beach was the only area in this county to decline from last year, with its rating reduced to 'good'. Ballyallia, Ballycuggeran, Bishopsquarter, Cappagh Pier, Carrigaholt, Fanore, Kilkee, Lough Derg, Quilty, Seafield, Spanish Point, White Strand - Doonbeg and White Strand - Miltown Malbay all secured the top grade for the second year running. Senior Scientific Officer in the EPA's Water Management Programme, Eoin McAleer has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that it's a very positive sign for the county.

It's hoped the Health Minister will be able to experience Clare's health service deficits for herself today. Jennifer Carrol MacNeill is visiting this county today, where she'll be travelling to Kilkee and Ennis Hospital. Although the proposed hospital campus at Raheen will likely result in a new Emergency Department for the MidWest, over 40% of Clare's population will still be living over an hour's drive away from their nearest ED. Friends of Ennis Hospital Chairperson Angela Coll believes the only solution is an acute facility in Clare.

On Monday's Morning Focus, it was time for Alan Morrissey to be joined in studio by Siobhán Mulcahy to discuss the upcoming art events and workshops across the banner county. It is set to be a busy week in the Clare Art scene as we step into summer, the Bealtaine Festival continues through the weekend with a line up of choirs set to perform in Ennis town, Luka Bloom will be hosting a concert in Spanish Point, there will be a screening of Hamnet in Kilkee as well as a painting exhibition titled "Into the Wild". Image © Clare Fm

West Clare residents have told the Health Minister they've been forgotten when it comes to ambulance care in the region. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill visited Kilkee this morning as part of an ongoing countywide tour today where locals and medical staff are taking the opportunity to express the reality of deficits in healthcare provision.

Now, a new initiative launching in West Clare is shining a light on something simple, but powerful—the idea that reading can support our mental health and overall wellbeing. Reading for Wellness is a programme developed with the support of Clare County Council, Clare Libraries and the Clare Older People's Council, and it aims to help tackle loneliness, anxiety and social isolation through shared reading and connection. The initiative has its roots in a project created by bestselling author Ann Cleeves, and it's now being brought to life here in Clare with a special launch event in Kilkee later this month. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Shanelle Warring, Clare Age Friendly Programme Manager and Frances Pender, Healthy Ireland at your library Co-Ordinator from Kilrush Library Image © Clare County Council via Facebook

A group of residents in Kilkee are preparing to take a High Court challenge against plans for a new wastewater treatment plant proposed by Uisce Éireann. The development, which was previously refused by Clare County Council and recommended for refusal by an inspector from An Bord Pleanála, was ultimately approved — a decision that's sparked serious concern locally. Campaigners say the proposal could pose risks to Kilkee's beach, marine environment, and its well-known Cliff Walk, and they're now racing to raise funds ahead of a crucial court date on June 17th. Alan Morrissey spoke about this with Kilkee residents Ellie Byrne and Joanne Dillon, and Ellie began by highlighting the Cliff Walk and its importance to Kilkee. Image © Visit Clare

A new art exhibition opening in Kilkee this month promises a vibrant celebration of colour, movement, and the power of the Atlantic landscape. Into the Wild is the latest collection from artist Gina O'Connor, inspired by the energy and beauty of the west coast. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Gina was on Monday's Morning Focus. Featured Image (c) Featured Image: Joy to the Moon via clarecoco.ie

This week on the ‘Future of Housing', Alan Morrissey was joined on Morning Focus by Diarmuid Keane, founder of Diarmuid Keane and Associates in Kilkee and Helen Quinn, Senior Planner with Clare County Council. Together, they explored the topic of property development & planning. The conversation delt with planning challenges, zoning, and housing delivery in rural Ireland. This feature, ‘Future of Housing' is funding by the News Reporting Scheme.

After nearly a week of fuel protests that brought disruption to roads, supply chains, and communities across the country, services are beginning to return to normal. But with hundreds of petrol stations running dry, major blockades at key fuel terminals, and a new €505 million government support package now on the table, the debate is far from over. Meanwhile, Retail Excellence Ireland had warned that retail trade fell by up to 50% in some areas due to fuel blockades causing severe disruption across the country. The largest body representing Ireland's retail industry had called for the blockades to end and for "meaningful engagement between all parties and Government to begin without delay." Alan Morrissey was joined by Kilkee farmer and election candidate Kevin Hassett, who has been attending the Clare protests, and Cathal O'Donoghue of C&C Executive Travel, one of the coordinators of those demonstrations, and John Custy, Retailers of Ennis Chairperson and owner of Custy's Music Shop. Image © Pat Flynn

A vigil is taking place this afternoon in memory of two brothers who bodies were found off the west coast of Clare on Tuesday. The two victims, who were fishing in Pulleen Bay at an area known as the Blue Pool between Kilkee and Doonbeg, have been named locally as Tajuddin Safi, aged in his 30s, and Salahuddin Safi, who was in his 20s. The brothers are understood to have been from Afghanistan and lived in Limerick for the past decade. The alarm was raised at 2:15pm on Tuesday after both men were swept off the rocks and emergency services located the bodies at around 4pm. Post-mortem examinations are to be carried out at University Hospital Limerick. West Clare Councillor Rita McInerney is calling for more warning signage in the area.

Once again, it was time for Alan Morrissey to be joined in studio by Siobhán Mulcahy to discuss the upcoming art events and workshops across the banner county. There will be a wide array of activities and workshops for people to attend over the next few days. Some upcoming activities include; Seaweed Stories in Ennistymon, a showing of The Kitchen Brigade in Kilkee and a Straw Mobile workshop in the Clare Museum. Image © Clare Fm

A rare bit of good news now for nature lovers, one of Europe's most iconic birds, the Eurasian crane, is making a remarkable return to Ireland, even beginning to breed here again in recent years. A talk taking place in Kilkee this week will explore that story and what it means for wildlife more broadly. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare-based ecologist and bird expert, Chris Cullen. Image © West Clare Wildlife Club

Once again, it was time for Alan Morrissey to be joined in studio by Siobhán Mulcahy to discuss the upcoming art events and workshops across the banner county. There is to be a great selection of plays, music performances, dancing and art workshops all over Clare in the coming week, some highlights include the Clare Drama Festival in Scariff, A Candlelight Serenade in Ennis and Ukrainian Art workshops in Kilkee. Image © Clare FM

A West Clare secondary school is to have its first ever special classroom. The Department of Education has this week announced 38 additional special classrooms for the 2026 to 2027 school year, bringing the total number of new classrooms of this nature next year to 301. Among those benefitting is St Joseph's Community College in Kilkee. Its principal, Agnes Hehir, says it'll allow local families to access the educational supports they need without leaving the area.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents this Sunday's Beyond Belief. Fr Gerry talks to some students from St Joseph's Community College in Kilkee who are joining a group from Killaloe Diocese who are heading to help in the Missionvale Project in South Africa. There is also a feature on St Ignatius from Fr Barton Greger SJ. The programme concludes with the story of the real St Valentine.

A planning application is expected to be submitted for the first section of the West Clare Railway Greenway this year. According to the Department of Transport, Clare County Council will seek permission to construct the Kilrush to Kilkee section of the route after June. The overall 115km route will also connect Ennis, Miltown Malbay, Lahinch and Ennistymon. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that following many false dawns, progress is needed as soon as possible.

On this week's episode of Clare Women In Business, Pat Flynn chats with Elaine Haugh-Hayes, proprietor of Naughton's Restaurant and Naughton's Yard in the seaside town of Kilkee in West Clare. Clare Women in Business is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee.

School attendance is a growing concern, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with a recent ESRI report showing that one in three pupils in such schools misses a month or more of class. Alan Morrissey was joined by Patricia Vaughan, Principal of Furglan National School, and Agnes Hehir, Principal of St Joseph's Community College in Kilkee, to discuss the challenges their schools face and the measures being taken to support regular attendance. Image (c) visuals6x via Canva

Kilkee native Jane Dundon, soon-to-be mother reflected on the power of female storytelling after seeing Hamnet. It's a poignant moment for Jane, as she prepares to welcome her first child, connecting the intensity of Buckley's role with the excitement, love, and vulnerability of impending motherhood. Jane spoke with Alan Morrissey on Monday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) IMDb

The West Clare Cancer Centre 8K Run and Walk takes place on Sunday, the 25th of January in Kilkee, along a stunning route on the Wild Atlantic Way. All funds raised go directly towards supporting cancer patients and their families across West Clare. On Monday's Morning Focus, Daragh Dolan spoke with William McGrath, Chairman, Co-founder of the West Clare Cancer Centre to tell us more about the event and how people can get involved. Photo (c) West Clare Cancer Facebook

Fr Gerry Kenny presents a special festive edition of Beyond Belief. Join him in festive spirit as he bring you plenty of music, some reflections, greetings and messages as we prepare to face into the new year of 2026. Fr Gerry is joined by some students from St Joseph's Community College in Kilkee who share their thoughts and feelings about the special time that Christmas is for them.

County Art's Officer Siobhán Mulcahy joined Alan Morrissey for the last Arts Slot of 2025. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of live events for entertainment lovers in Banner County. This week, Siobhán told us about Wreath Making in Kilfenora, Suil Gallery Ennis, Pantos in Ennis and Kilkee and much more.

Fr Gerry Kenny presents Sunday Prayer for today, Sunday 14th December 2025,. He is joined by pupils of Scoil Réalt na Mara in Kilkee who lead us in prayer for this Third Sunday of Advent.

Ian Lynch On Kilkee N68 Safety by Clare FM

It's a busy time across County Clare for Christmas markets! On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey caught up with organisers from Mountshannon, Broadford, Kilrush, Lahinch, Kilkee, and Miltown Malbay to hear what locals and visitors can look forward to at this year's festive markets. Alan spoke with Frank Bouchier in Mountshannon, Karen O'Connor in Broadford, Brid Meaney in Kilrush, Susan Harrington in Lahinch, Deborah Hickie in Kilkee and Neil Hynes in Miltown Malbay. Photo (c) Oleksandr P from Pexels via Canva

Reporter Peter O'Connell has been talking to Ukrainian refugees ahead of the visit in Ennis, Lahinch and Kilkee.

It's hoped the development of new infrastructure in West Clare will encourage people with reduced mobility to swim. It follows a grant of €25,000 in funding, which will provide four sea shelters across Kilkee and Spanish Point. The funds will also provide for non-slip matting and accessible hand rails to enter and exit the water. Founder of Snamhaí Sásta June Curtin believes it will be hugely beneficial.

Plans to build a sewerage treatment plant on a scenic tourist attraction in Kilkee are being met with opposition. Uisce Eireann is proposing to build the plant just 100 metres from the Kilkee Cliff Walk, which research last year revealed was the most-loved Irish tourist spot by users of Tripadvisor. Local residents are taking a judicial review against the utility's plans. To find out more, Alan Morrissey spoke with local resident and member the of Save Kilkee Cliff Walk Group, Joanne Dillon. Image (c) Visit Clare

The Oakhill Players are bringing Big Maggie to the stage in Kilkee next month. They will perform John B. Keane's ‘riveting story of money, land and secret sex' over four evenings at Cultúrlann Sweeney, from the 13th – 16th November. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined live in studio by Veronica Keating of Oakhill Players.

Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon at Oxford University Hospital Professor Nick Maynard joined Alan Morrissey on Morning Focus. Nick is renowned for his humanitarian work with the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians and has been volunteering in Gaza for the last 15 years. He will pay a visit to County Clare next month, when he will give a fundraising talk for Medical Aid for Palestinians, in Kilkee on the 30th of November from 6pm. Picture (c) Cultúrlann Sweeney