Anvil Farm - home from home for Birdwatchers!
The area is very popular with birdwatchers from Ireland, Britain and Continental Europe. This popularity is due to the range of seabirds that breed here each summer (including Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins and Gannets), and in particular due to the autumn passage of an amazing array of seabirds and waders. The best months are August through October, when West and NW winds blow many of the passing seabirds close to shore, so allowing excellent viewing. Seabirds regularly seen here in good numbers include Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, Storm and Leaches Petrels, and Great, Pomarine and Arctic Skuas. Sightings of Little Stints, Curlew and the American Buff-breasted Sandpiper have been made, and there are many other rare species seen from time to time from local viewing points. The best place for birdwatching in Clare are the Bridges of Ross on Loop Head Peninsula. The Keating family does not only run this accommodation but also owns the land around this scenic area and are happy to show you the best places for birdwatching around.
Local Walks
There are many interesting cliff top walks a short distance from the guesthouse. Take in the beautiful Bridges of Ross, the renowned religious artifact the Little Ark, the magnificent nineteenth-century lighthouse at Loophead, or the many secluded rocky beaches and Atlantic Coast inlets on the doorstep.
Cycling
The house is also located near the Loophead Cycleway which can be explored individually (bike hire in Kilkee).
Swimming, Watersports
Beside the well known beach in Kilkee there's also a fine,lesser known safe beach only a couple of minutes away at the Shannon estuary in Doonaha. The Kilkee Diving And Watersports centre (diveireland.com) offers diving activities as well as deep sea angling, dolphin trips, sailing lessons and jet skiing. On offer are full organised dive tours, full rib and equipment hire. Surfing, Kayaking, Coasteering, Sailing courses for adults and kids are offered by nevsailwatersports.com
Fishing
You can fish for free from the coast near the house or in nearby Kilbaha or Carrigaholt Village, both of which have slipways and sheltered Piers! Sea angling trips can be arranged with local licensed operators in Kilbaha and Carrigaholt which are carrying anglers to fish the coastal waters of the Atlantic and the Shannon Estuary with Cod, Ling, Hake, Haddock, Wrasse, Red Gurnet, Mackerel, Pollack, Conger, Tope and Shark being abundant in these waters.
Sightseeing
The world famous Cliffs of Moher is less than an hour away; a little bit further to the North is Doolin (where boats are leaving to the Aran Islands) and the unique limestone area of the Burren, a heaven for walkers, climbers and botanists. Also recommended is a stroll through the shopping streets of Ennis with its medieval atmosphere, as well as visiting Bunratty Castle & Folk Park which features many traditional buildings from the area. Medieval dinners are also arranged there throughout the year.
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Traditional Music and Festivals
Traditional Irish music is available in many pubs in our local villages - watch out for signs in windows of pubs! Kilrush at the end of july is hosting a traditional festival in September, Moyasta in August and the wonderful internationally renowned Willy Clancy Summer School takes place in Miltown Malbay in the first week of July. Find out more about traditional music in Clare [here...