Tralee

With an extensive range of excellent Spa Hotels and Guest Houses, a crisp, luxurious bed is always guaranteed. Alternatively, bring your camper van, caravan or embrace the rugged outdoors with a campingtrip in one of the fully serviced campsites dotted around Tralee bay, waking up to stunning views of never-ending blue-flag beaches like Banna, Castlegregory, Ballyheigue and Derrymore. While you are there, book an incredible experience with a surf lesson or a Wild Atlantic adventure with Wild Water Adventures! Or maybe play a round of golf at the renowned Tralee Golf Club in Barrow. For even more fun in the water, nowhere matches the excitement of the Aquadome,Tralee’s indoor water-leisure facilitythat boasts a tropical climate, fountains, lazy river and a roaring slide.

Heading south towards the Dingle Peninsula, you’ll find Blennerville Windmill and Visitor Centre, Ireland’s largest working, flour-grinding windmill, with the added attraction of a fully-functioning modal railway and an exhibition on the Jeanie Johnston. The bay at Blennerville, and as far out as Cockleshell Beach, is ideal for Bird Watching. Perch yourself on the edge of Tralee bay as the tide is out and admire the local population of sandpipers, egrets and herons. After a spot of twitching, stroll back into town along the scenic Lee Canal, just in time for a delicious dinner, skilfully prepared and locally produced in one of many local restaurants.

The Rose Walk at Tralee Town Park is a sight for sore eyes! Beds of stunning fragrant roses will highlight your walk from Denny St entrance of the park to the exit on Dan Spring Road.

If you want to get even closer to nature, visit Tralee’s wonderful Wetlands Centre, a marshy sanctuary reclaimed from the briny waters where the Lee meets the Atlantic. It is a must for budding ecologists or anyone who just wants to connect with the environment. Takea guided boat-trip that meanders gracefully through reeds and rushes, observing birds in their natural habitat.  Afterwards, hire a pedal boat for a jaunt around the lake or go water zorbing or try out the 30 foot rock climbing experience! All activities are suitable for children, teens and adults.

Further north, you will find Fenit, a pretty fishing village just 10km from Tralee. Its sheltered cove means it is a haven for everyone from open-water swimming enthusiasts and to toddlers. After a refreshing dip, order a pot of steaming muscles while the kids get stuck into the playground full of ocean-themed rides, then amble down the pier to check out the colourful display of boats in the marina. The Tralee to Fenit Greenway is set to open in 2021, yet another good reason to visit this lovely village.

If architecture and history is your thing, Tralee will not disappoint, a historic market town steeped in stories. There are so many wonderful nuggets to explore and all accessible on the Tralee App Self-Guided Tours, like the burial site of a mythical Egyptian queen at Scotia’s Grave, Denny Street’s Georgian architecture or the Rose of Tralee historic tour.

For a leisurely afternoon, take a stroll through the magnificent Tralee Town Park. The largest urban town park outside of Dublin, the park is famous for its captivating Rose Garden and and the award-winning Garden of The Senses. The kids will have fun dashing around from flower to flower trying to identify as many smells as possible. Obviously, no trip to a park would be complete without a ride on the swings. This playground features a zip-wire, climbing frame, slides, swinging basket and toddler area, plus benches for the adults to chat while the kids let off some steam.

If the weather isn’t suitable for outside pursuits, do not worry, there is still plenty to occupy the kids. Bowling Buddies and The Playdium, both in Tralee town,provide indoor adventure areas offering lots of fun and excitement. Crag Cave in Castleisland, an ancient fossil cave thought to over 1 million years old, and also houses Crazy Cave, an extensive indoor play arena for kids.  

Your hiking boots will see plenty of action too. Tralee is basecamp to the incredible Kerry Camino stretching the length of the Dingle Way from Tralee to Dingle. For something more adventurous why not take on Ireland’s tallest mountains along Carrauntoohiland the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. There are also gorgeous woodland walks, including Ballyseedy and Glanageenty Woods. The latter covers an area either side of a steep, scenic valley divided by the Glangeenty river. Nestled among its forest and wildlife are seating areas, good for catching breath and enjoying picnics.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, The Irish Heart Foundation has developed a series of Slí na Sláinte walking routes around the country, especially designed for people of all abilities. You will recognise the routes by their blue and yellow signs posts. Tralee has one of the longest routes in the country measuring at just under 10km. The walk starts in the town centre at the gates of St. John’s Church. It is marked as moderate in terms of exertion and is a great way to discover Tralee.

For solos, couples or family groups, thrill-seekers, spa-seekers, culture vultures or night owls, everyone is catered for in Tralee!