A powerful new public artwork now stands proudly at the Island of Geese in Tralee, linking the town’s industrial past with its vibrant and evolving future.
A New Landmark for the Island of Geese
Titled Flight & Industry, the striking large-scale laser-cut steel installation by sculptor Graham Reid has been unveiled beside the historic chimney of the former Denny bacon factory — one of the most recognisable industrial landmarks in Tralee’s history. Positioned on the exterior wall of the amphitheatre, the artwork serves as both a tribute and a conversation piece, honouring generations of workers, traders, and families whose lives were connected to the site.
Honouring Tralee’s Industrial Past
For centuries, the Island of Geese — or Oileán na nGéanna — was a hive of activity at the heart of Tralee. Long before the arrival of industrial food production, the area was known as the town’s pork butchers’ quarter. Historical Ordnance Survey maps from 1878 describe the location as a “pork shambles,” a term once used for butcher shops and meat markets, revealing how deeply rooted the area’s commercial identity was in the trade of pork and bacon production.
That tradition expanded dramatically in the 20th century with the establishment of Slattery’s Bacon Factory in 1922. The factory later became part of the Denny company in 1943 and grew into one of the town’s most important employers and economic engines.
The Denny Factory and a Town Built on Industry
At its height, the Denny plant employed hundreds of people — with reports indicating that more than 400 workers were employed there during its busiest years, making it one of Tralee’s largest employers and a cornerstone of the local economy.
For generations of Tralee families, the factory was more than just a workplace. It shaped livelihoods, supported local businesses, and created a strong sense of community and identity. The sound of shift changes, deliveries, and daily production formed part of the rhythm of life in the town for decades. Many residents still recall parents, grandparents, neighbours, and friends who worked there, contributing to an industry that placed Tralee firmly on Ireland’s manufacturing map.
The closure of the plant in 2009 marked the end of an era and reflected the broader decline of traditional industry in the town. Yet while the factory fell silent, the site itself never lost its significance.
From Bacon Factory to Community Space
In a remarkable example of regeneration and renewal, the former industrial grounds have since undergone a transformative rebirth. Following the gifting of the site to the people of Tralee by Kerry Group in 2014, Kerry County Council and funding partners embarked on an ambitious redevelopment project to turn the once-derelict factory lands into an accessible and welcoming public realm.
Today, the Island of Geese has emerged as one of Tralee’s most dynamic civic spaces — a place where heritage, culture, recreation, and community life intersect. The area now hosts festivals, outdoor performances, markets, gatherings, and community events, while also providing an attractive urban amenity for residents and visitors alike.
The preserved chimney stack remains an enduring symbol of the town’s industrial heritage, standing alongside modern landscaping, walkways, seating areas, and the amphitheatre that has quickly become a focal point for cultural activity.
‘Flight & Industry’ Connects Past and Present
The new Flight & Industry installation captures this journey beautifully. Drawing inspiration from the site’s layered identity — from its industrial past and commercial importance to its historic connection with geese and waterways — the artwork reflects themes of resilience, continuity, prosperity, and transformation.
It acknowledges the labour and enterprise that once defined the area while embracing the energy and creativity that now shape its future.
Commissioned under the Percent for Art Scheme as part of the wider €3.65 million investment in the Island of Geese regeneration project, the installation represents more than public art. It is a statement about memory, place, and the evolving identity of Tralee itself.
Where smoke once rose from factory chimneys and workers streamed through factory gates, families and communities now gather for concerts, celebrations, and shared experiences. The Island of Geese has transformed from a centre of industry into a thriving public space — proving that while the nature of a town may change over time, its spirit, resilience, and sense of community endure.
