Kilkee past & present
in full colour
a collection of colourful prints inspired by memories of my mis-spent summers in Kilkee
A glimpse of a lost piece of Kilkee’s seaside history.
Before O’Neill’s became a familiar fixture on the Carrigaholt road, the 1960’s amusement arcade was run by the Williams. It brought colour, excitement and endless summer memories to generations of visitors. From flashing lights and arcade games to the unmistakable sound of rides in motion, it was a place where holidays truly began.
The Atlantic Hotel was never just a hotel. It was a landmark, a talking point and, for many, the first sign that the holidays had begun. Its bold concrete form stood in stark contrast to Kilkee’s Victorian character, ensuring that whether people loved it or loathed it, they never forgot it.
This print is a celebration of that memory. More than a depiction of a building, it captures a particular moment in Irish holiday culture — a time of family road trips, seaside adventures, ballroom dances and summers that seemed to last forever. For those who remember it, the Atlantic Hotel represents not just a place, but an era.
Printed using museum-quality archival inks on premium 300gsm textured fine art paper, every print is produced to showcase rich colour, crisp detail and lasting quality.
A celebration of one of Kilkee’s most iconic landmarks and a golden era of Irish social life.
For generations, the Hydro Ballroom was at the heart of summers in Kilkee. Long before streaming playlists and smartphones, dance halls like the Hydro brought people together for nights of music, dancing, romance and unforgettable memories. Showbands travelled the country, dance floors filled, and the Hydro became a rite of passage for locals and holidaymakers alike.
This artwork captures the distinctive Art Deco-inspired architecture of the Hydro Ballroom in a bold contemporary style, using clean lines and vibrant colour to evoke the energy and nostalgia of the 1960s dancehall era.
Inspired by the iconic Lifeguard Hut protecting Kilkee Bay, this artwork captures the colours, atmosphere and unmistakable character of summer on the Wild Atlantic Way. Whether it’s childhood holidays, long beach days, swimming lessons, or simply the sight of the flags flying above the promenade, the Lifeguard Hut holds a special place in the memories of generations of visitors and locals alike.
A celebration of two Kilkee institutions and countless conversations.
Fat Chats & Creamy Pints captures the familiar streetscape of Scott’s and Naughton’s, places that have been at the centre of local life, summer gatherings and late-night storytelling for generations. Whether you’re catching up with old friends, meeting family home for the weekend, or settling in for “just one” that turns into several, these landmarks are woven into the memories of Kilkee.
The Victorian bandstand overlooking Kilkee Bay has long been one of Kilkee’s most recognisable landmarks. Framed by the Atlantic Ocean and the sweeping curve of the bay, it occupies a special place in the memories of locals and visitors alike. More than simply an architectural feature, it has been a gathering place, a meeting point and a backdrop to countless summer moments.
Unlike many historic landmarks that survive only in photographs, the bandstand continues to play an active role in the life of the town. This illustration celebrates one of Kilkee’s enduring symbols — a structure that has provided the backdrop to countless memories and continues to embody the spirit of summer on the Clare coast.