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| A full house at Lahinch as the bus bays are temporarily commandeered in the absence of coach tours. It does go to illustrate the demand for Aire type facilities at such popular locations. |
There is plenty to see along this rugged and dramatic
stretch of coastline. On a splendidly sunny day on the last day of summer you could see all the way to Kerry.
The Loop Head lighthouse is closed for renovations and there
are no facilities at the car park there or at the Bridges of Ross, which seems popular for diving enthusiasts.
It was delightful to see a pod of dolphins making their way
slowly along the shoreline, a few seals even popped up their curious heads.
Kilkee was
thronged but something said the Victorian seaside resort is but a shade of its
former self, although still a destination for many families and swimmers. Can’t
understand why the public toilets had not even a wash hand basin or soap,
nothing, so much for hygiene and of course not even a cold shower for kids to
wash the sand off their feet along the beach.
Lots of camping options and possibilities along this
stretch, including an interesting looking place perched up on the corner at White Strand between Spanish Point and Lahinch. Will definitely return to give that a go. Anyone ever been
there?
Lahinch was
buzzing on Sunday evening. The prom was full of walkers and the surf schools
were busy in the water, while the last day of the August on Monday the
temperature reading on Looney’s
gable hit 21 degrees, and there was a run on ice cream cones.
Randaddy’s
provided a good option for an evening bite to eat out on its deck, while we opted
for our own ‘hard rock’ café and 'hot rock' steaks before
departing on Monday.
Credit where it’s due, the Lahinch prom had plenty of bins which were being regularly emptied
and maintained; while dog walkers mostly cleaned up after their mutts. There are
two showers installed for bathers and surfers next to the lifeguard hut, a most
welcome development. And Lahinch has a great playground which is always a hit
with the kids.
Thanks to hosting the Irish Open Golf last year, Lahinch has
a modern toilet block which was being diligently inspected and restocked with hand
wash and supplies and great to see that it was spotless, with lots of sinks and
hot water. A pity that it’s closed up in the evenings while the promenade is
still thronged with families.
An interesting side-effect of the Covid scenario is that in
the absence of coach tours there is more space for touring campers in the bus
bays, in addition to the five designated motorhome spots already in place. It
was a full house on Sunday, illustrating the demand that is there for such a
facility.
It would be good if Lahinch took the next step and put in
place proper Aire type services such
as those in Cobh and Bantry and elsewhere.
SEE ALSO: L is for Lahinch, I love Lahinch
