Coillte (Quilty) lies on the rugged coast of West Clare, in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. This traditional fishing village is surrounded by golden sandy beaches. Its maritime character is reflected in the landscape, in fishing and in the continuing tradition of seaweed harvesting. The area is also home to a church with Hiberno-Romanesque architecture and a history associated with a shipwreck and the rescue of its crew. The coastal landscape and local history offer different focal points for a stay.
Beaches and Seafield
Seafield lies southwest of Quilty. There are two wide beaches on either side of a short, sandy peninsula. The beaches offer views of the Aran Islands. Swimming and walking are possible there, as is beachcombing.
Seafield’s maritime setting includes a busy fishing pier. Historically, the pier was used for fishing and leisure activities. It also served extensively as a hub for small-scale commercial shipping, supplying local merchants. Its role therefore extended beyond fishing to include supplying local trade.
Church and maritime history
The freestanding Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Quilty was built in the Hiberno-Romanesque style and dates from 1909. It was built in memory of the 1907 sinking of the French ship Leon XIII and the rescue of its crew by local men. The church attracts visitors interested in history and architecture; its design and maritime associations come together in this distinctive building.
Another historical period is associated with nearby Mutton Island, where St. Senan founded a church in the early 6th century. Compared with the church built in 1909, this history points to a much earlier period of religious life in the area.
Fishing is also part of the village’s character today. In Quilty, you can watch local fishermen land lobsters, salmon, sea bass, herring and mackerel; landing times may vary. Seaweed harvesting is another continuing tradition. The family-run business Wild Irish Seaweed carries it on.
Accommodation and the wider area
The village offers self-catering accommodation at Quilty Cottages, bed and breakfasts, and a caravan park. Check current availability before finalising your accommodation plans.
For a broader regional perspective, take a look at County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the coast of Clare and rise to over 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower. The visitor centre has 800 metres of paved paths and viewing points, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. This is a different landscape from the beaches at Seafield: cliffs and paved viewpoints contrast with the sandy beaches on either side of a peninsula.
Visitors to the Burren National Park in County Clare can explore walking trails. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check for current information before setting out. Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island, offers another historical point of interest. The island is in Lough Derg on the Shannon; its history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century. Along with Mutton Island and the church in Quilty, these places reflect different periods in the region’s religious history.
Discover more destinations: Baunkyle, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Bishopsquarter, Killaloe, Whitegate, Broadford, Miltown Malbay
For the broader travel guide: County Clare.
