Kilkee Waterworld has been at the heart of our community since 1996. Like many social enterprises, we have faced challenges, but we’ve always worked hard — with the support of our community, staff, and partners — to keep this facility thriving for children, families, schools, and visitors alike.
Back in 2021, Waterworld was open for just 8 weeks a year, burdened with debts of over €160,000 and struggling with ageing equipment. Since then, together we have rebuilt: introducing new programmes such as school swimming, Aqua-Fit, and taster courses, ensuring that Waterworld is a place for all ages and abilities.
Thanks to government support, funders, and our community, a €2.2 million upgrade has now been completed — new roof, glazing, pumps, air handling systems, and energy-saving measures. Without this intervention, the building would not have been able to reopen at all. These essential works have secured Waterworld’s future as a facility for the community. A major part of this investment was in energy-efficiency: installing heat pumps, a building management system, and a large solar PV array to cut dependence on fossil fuels.
Unfortunately, delays outside our control in securing the grid connection mean that these savings have not yet been fully realised. Without those cost reductions, operating through September and October — which historically run at a loss of over €30,000 — is simply nonviable. The capital funding fixed the building, and the team added new programmes, but to stay open year-round we still need a membership model—think gym and wellness activities, like other leisure centres.
Following a financial review, the Board has therefore made the difficult but responsible decision that Waterworld will close at the end of August 2025. This is not about stepping back, but about conserving resources so we can move forward with strength.
The positive news is that this decision will allow us to reopen earlier than ever before in 2026 — from April — ensuring families and schools benefit from an extended season at a time that better fits the school calendar and avoids back-to-school pressures. Once the grid connection issue is resolved, we will be in an even stronger position to deliver a season that runs from Easter.
Our long-term goal remains clear: to grow Waterworld into a year-round centre of excellence for health, wellness, and water-based activity — for Kilkee, the Loop Head Peninsula, and the wider West Clare community.
We know how much Waterworld means to you, as it does to us and we are deeply grateful for your continued loyalty and support. Together, we can secure not only the future of Waterworld, but also its growth into something even greater for the generations to come.
Demand in autumn is very low. In 2024, income dropped by over 90% after August, leaving losses of €27,000 despite loyal families attending. With rising costs and schools moving their lessons to spring, keeping open in Sept/Oct would result in further unsustainable losses.
No. Waterworld is now in a much stronger position thanks to the €2.2m upgrade and clearing past debts. The decision is about protecting finances so we can focus on long-term sustainability, not because of new financial distress.
The investment was essential to fix major issues (roof leaks, air handling systems, boilers). Without it, Waterworld could not have reopened at all. These works future-proof the building and make year-round operation possible once new revenue streams (gym, membership) are added.
Staffing and heating costs remain the same and actually rise significantly in colder months, the income doesn’t cover them. Until the gym and new programmes are in place, the facility relies almost entirely on peak summer visitor income.
We value every person, business, school, Group and family that supports us. Unfortunately, the small number of users during these months doesn’t cover the costs. The gym and wellness expansion will help solve this by providing steady, year-round income — so everyone will gain more access in the long run.
Opening in May 2025. Closing 31st August 2025.
