The White Strand is a moderately sized, relatively uncluttered double beach and local beauty spot, with no mobile homes or shops to assault the eye or purse - a bonus if bringing kids, who can concentrate on the business at hand.
On those perfect August days, there is a childhood delight at arriving at the end of a winding b≤ithr∅n to see the sparkling waters. At one end is a farmhouse where farm activities continue regardless of the bathing going on around.
At the other end is a relief sculpture dedicated to Patrick McDonnell, who won gold medals in the shot-put competition at the Stockholm Olympics of 1912 and in the 56lb weight-throwing competition at the Antwerp Olympics of 1920.
He developed his skill by throwing large stones on the beach, before emigrating and joining the New York police force.
People often use the White Strand when they find the neighbouring beaches of Kilkee or Spanish Point overcrowded.
But it also has dedicated followers who arrive self-sufficient, with barbecue paraphernalia. Lesser mortals will find ample refreshments in the village.
It is a beautiful, safe, Blue-Flag beach. "We do not have huge numbers, but there are adequate numbers of people using it," says Liam Griffin, Clare County Council's water-safety officer.
At low tide in late August, when the seaweed is breaking up, you can enjoy nature's own thalassotherapy. All that iodine is good for aching limbs, I'm reliably informed.
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