Tralee Attractions

Tralee - County Kerry

From http://www.ballygarryhouse.com/attractions.html

Tralee, the capital town of County Kerry, sits in the ideal location, in the shelter of the Slieve Mish Mountains and Tralee Bay. Today the town is a busy epicentre in the county and serves both visitors and locals alike with its broad range of all weather visitor attractions and shopping, technology parks and as a hub of education at the Institute of Technology Tralee.

Founded in the 13th century by the Anglo Normans, the town takes its name from the River Lee which flows into Tralee Bay. Modern Tralee began to take shape in the 19th century with the structuring of streets like Day Place, Staughton’s Row, Princes Street and Denny Street in the early 1800s and the courthouse built in 1835. Although much of the towns former historic buildings have been lost in turbulent times, visitors can enjoy a step back in time and learn more about Tralee and North Kerry’s history through audiovisual, history board and artefact displays at the Kerry County Museum.

The Tralee ship canal (1846) and the arrival of the railway marked a new time in the era of the town and helped develop the town into its present day role. When visiting Tralee, do not miss out on a scenic walk along this canal far out to Blennerville and the Spa area.

Tralee town has never forgotten its historic past and link with myths, folklore and ledgends and celebrates this in its broad range of festivals and events held throughout the year such as the International Rose of Tralee, Tralee Garden Festival and Kerry Pagent Festival.

Steam Railway
Described as Europe’s most westerly railway, today’s visitor attraction takes in a mile of the former Tralee and Dingle light railway.The current day locomotive carries visitors on the long mile scenic journey back in time to Blennerville.

Blennerville Windmill
Blennerville Windmill constructed in 1780 and restored today as a visitor centre,café and craft complex on the shores of Tralee Bay. Blennervile was the main port of emigration from County Kerry during the great famine and the visitor centre also houses a detailed display of Irish Emigration including models of famous ‘coffin ships’.

Crag Cave www.cragcave.com
Castleisland is home to one of the Southwest’s most unique underground visitor attractions, Crag Cave where young and old are fascinated by a world older than mankind. Also ‘Crazy Cave’ adventure play area for children.

Aquadome www.aquadome.ie
For families and younger visitors, Tralee has an extensive range of activities and attractions on offer. Take a leisurely splash at the aquadome, one of the finest indoor water activity centres in Ireland,

Night Time
For nighttime entertainment you will be spoilt for choice in Tralee with many of the bars offering live music. Enjoy a visit to Siamsa Tire, www.siamsatire.com Ireland’s National Folk Theatre, housed in a ring-fort with a round tower whose architecture effectively reinforces the traditional focus of performances within.
For an alternative and entertaining evening with the locals try a ‘Night at the Dogs’ at Tralee Greyhound Stadium where you can join in the fun of betting whilst enjoying dinner

Dingle Peninsula
Savour the enchantment of the Dingle Peninsula, a land of blue gold hills and sandy beaches, of glorious waterfalls, hidden bays, wonderous rock formations, caves and arches, busy harbours and wayside pubs, a land dappled with heather, primroses, bluebells, foxgloves and fuchsia, and smiling faces to welcome you. This peninsula that inspired films like "Ryan's Daughter" and "Far and Away" has much to offer people in search of something different. www.dingle-peninsula.ie

Ring of Kerry
Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean, the Iveragh Peninsula has a backbone of mighty mountains. Every environment is here, from the snow-capped Corrán Tuathail, Ireland´s loftiest peak, through woodland and blanket bog, to the sandy beaches of the coast. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream ensure a mild climate all the year round. Sub-tropical plants grow quite happily here - adding marvellous splashes of colour to the countryside.

The Geraldine Experience
"Kerry the Kingdom" at the Ashe Memorial Hall, Tralee, tells the story of Kerry and Ireland from the earliest of times. The Geraldine Experience is a unique visitor attraction located within the building. Visitors are transported back in time via a "time car" to the Middle Ages in Tralee. Experience life in a Medieval town along with the sights, sounds and smells of the time.Tel:066 7127777