Clare Genealogy: Slater's Directory, 1846: Part 5: Kilkee: Description

Part 5: Kilkee: Description

KILKEE, OR DOOGH, a small but improving town and watering place, in the parish of Kilfieragh, barony of Moyarta, county of Clare, is 178 miles W. S. W. from Dublin, 63 W. from Limerick, 35 S. W. from Ennis, and 10 W. N. W. from Kilrush; situated on the western coast of the county, in the beautiful little creek of Malbay. But a few years since, this charming little place was known only as the residence of a few humble fishermen, but the beauty of its marine view, and the security of its insulated position, soon raised it from obscurity, and every year has added to its reputation as a bathing place of great attraction. The town, which commands a fine view of the bay, is built close to the sea, and assumes a semicircular form from the shape of the strand which presents a fine smooth level esplanade of sand about half a mile in length, upon which the invalid may without fatigue enjoy the exhilarating sea breeze and the surrounding scenery. The principal street, which extends nearly the entire length of the town, is occasionally intersected with smaller ones, which run to the strand, and almost at every step afford a view of the Atlantic wave dashing into foam against the cliffs, and the rocks of Duggana, which run nearly across the bay. Commodious baths are erected near the water, and there are chalybeate spas, some contiguous to the town and one about a mile distant. These springs have been found highly beneficial to the invalid, while the hotels, and a number of neat built villas and lodges afford every accommodation to the visitor. The parish church is a handsome edifice, and the Roman Catholic chapel is a large and neat one. At present there are neither markets or fairs held here. The population of Kilfieragh parish in 1841 was 7,137, and Kilkee 1,481 of that number.