Rainfall dampens holiday spirit in beach town popular with Limerick people

FOR DECADES the ocean breeze off the Clare coastal town of Kilkee has been a welcome sensation for many from Limerick, however, July’s record-breaking rainfall has put a dampener on the town’s festivities and usual tourism trade.

July is often seen as the pinnacle of the Irish summer with some of the highest temperatures and most sunshine hours. But this year has been a different story for those who had booked and were looking forward to their holiday in the County Clare town.

More than four times the amount of rain fell in July 2023 compared to July 2022.

The rainy summer has had an impact on the town of Kilkee, according to proud local man and long-time scuba diver Manuel di Lucia.

“The tourist season hasn’t been great now in Kilkee because of the weather and in saying that the weather here is the same as the weather across the whole country,” Mr di Lucia said.

“Kilkee depends on tourism for six weeks of the year. Without Limerick Kilkee could close up. Limerick is about 80% to 90% of our tourist population in the summer,” Mr di Lucia added.

According to Mr di Lucia, the feeling that this year’s tourist season has been lacklustre is one that is felt throughout the town and beyond.

“Everything has become quite expensive, not alone in Kilkee but throughout the whole country.

“To rent a house now in Kilkee is about a couple of thousand euro a week. It’s not easy money to find.

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“You have two options, you can burn in Europe or be nice and cool over here.

“Now, we’ve had winds here nearly all summer and the sea has been choppy. We had three fabulous weeks in June and people flocked to Kilkee then.

“Most of the houses and apartments in Kilkee are all full up and we don’t have that much accommodation left in regard to tourists as we are looking after our Ukrainian friends. There are maybe 300 or 400 here at the moment.”

According to local Clare Fianna Fáil councillor Cillian Murphy people expect a bit of bad weather when they visit Kilkee but the last month has been exceptionally wetter than usual.

“We’re seeing four times the usual rainfall, it’s challenging for most people and it’s very noticeable in Kilkee,” Cllr Murphy said.

“People are so mobile, Limerick is only a little over an hour away that people can make a decision whether to go or not on the spot.

“Business is visibly quieter in town but on the other side we’re seeing temperatures in Spain and Italy being out through the roof.

“Most people I’ve met have kind of had a wry smile and said ‘well, I’m not sure if I could cope with 40 degrees heat’.

“The rain isn’t great but the alternative isn’t great either,” he added.

Owner of Kilkee coffee spot Habit Coffee and Retail, Barry Flavin, said the business experienced delays in opening this summer season due to struggles with staffing.

Mr Flavin has a number of coffee shops under the same name in Limerick city located on Thomas Street, O'Connell Street and Shannon Street.

They also have a coffee truck outside Shannon Town Centre.

“Since opening, we have been delighted with the local support, however, visitor numbers have been noticeably down, possibly due to overseas travel or the weather,” Mr Flavin said.

According to Cllr Murphy, the visitors are simply “not here”

“People aren't going out and I suppose they are just not here."