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Tralee |
| Train | Siamsa Tíre | Aqua Dome | Blennerville Windmill | Ashe Memorial Hall | Hotels | Bottle | Student | Greyhound Stadium | Jungle Jim´s |
Tralee, population 24,000, lies on the south-west coast of Ireland at the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula. It is the capital town and administrative centre of County Kerry, Ireland’s premier tourism county.
In the vale of Tralee next to the river Lee can be found the town of Tralee, a regional centre for tourism in Ireland. Here you will find there is no shortage of things to do: a plummet down a giant waterslide, a guided tour through a medieval castle, a round of golf on a great course, a boat trip to see 20,000 gannets in colony, a walk or bike ride in Europes quietest valleys and hills or a visit to a pub to enjoy a meal, a conversation with the friendly locals or the delight of a spontaneous traditional Irish music session
During the Middle Ages Tralee served as the capital of the powerful Munster Geraldines.
Today it has all the facilities of a capital town: historic buildings, spacious parks, good hotels and restaurants, excellent shopping and nightlife.
Tralee boasts some of Irelands top heritage and leisure facilities. a must see is the award winning "Kerry the Kingdom" Museum at the Ashe Memorial Hall where among the many surprises is a trip by time car back in time to the middle ages.
Tralee is also home to Siamsa Tire - The National Folk Theatre of Ireland. Blennerville Village near Tralee is the location of Ireland newest and most unique maritime experience - the building of a tall ship Jeanie Johnston
The old steam train that huffed and puffed for 60 years between Tralee and Dingle was taken out of service in 1953. Most of the track has since disappeared. But a stretch of the line was recently restored, as was one of the original locomotives. And so now you can enjoy the trip by steam between Tralee and Blennerville.
The handsome stone and brick building that adjoins the carpark of the Brandon Hotel houses Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. Nightly stage shows portray in song, dance, and mime the social and domestic traditions of rural life. The costumes are colourful, the music is brilliant, and the dance routines are electrifying.
Water has a universal appeal - especially when it comes in the form of slides, waves, rapids, and whirlpools designed for children of all ages to cavort in. The Aqua Dome, Tralee´s £4.5 million waterworld, has all these and more. For example, it even has an exclusive adults-only sauna / steam suite for those who want to unwind rather than make a splash. The building itself is unmissable - stunningly imaginative in design and construction. It´s no wonder the Aqua Dome is so popular; it´s a great place for all the family - whatever the weather.
Blennerville Windmill is Ireland´s only commercially operated windmill. It is also the tallest of its kind in Europe, 21.3 metres high. This 18th century windmill is now open to the public. There are many fascinating workings to be seen as the giant sails rotate. The adjoining building houses absorbing exhibitions on emigration and the history of milling.
Kerry County Museum, housed in the Ashe Memorial Hall, presents the history and archaeology of Kerry in novel and exciting ways. Kerry the Kingdom shows artefacts in their real context with the aid of audio and visual media. The highlight of your visit is the Time Car, which takes you back several centuries and through the streets of mediaeval Tralee.
Kerry´s biggest town is booming. Tralee has prospered in recent years from a huge inflow of investment. Hotels have expanded; restaurants and pubs have flourished; and a huge range of leisure and entertainment complexes have evolved to meet the growing demand. So not only have you the many traditional outdoor recreations: golf, swimming, fishing, sailing, walking. You now have a rich choice of indoor and all-weather pursuits from theatre and cinema to aquafun to museums to galleries.
The rugged coast of Kerry has seen many shipwrecks, some caused by the weather but other brought about purposely by professional ´wreckers´ onshore. While you walk the beaches keep a lookout for treasure. Some years ago a man found a German stoneware bottle of the type struck in c. 1680, bearing the William of Orange crest. The bottle is now in the safe hands of Maurice and Jane O´Keeffe in Tralee. The O´Keeffes have converted their Georgian townhouse into a shop with a difference, furnished with Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian pieces. If you love history or antiques, this place will fascinate you.
Students with a valid ISIC card benefit from numerous travel discounts, as well as reduced admission to museums, concerts, etc.
The new ultra-modern Kingdom Greyhound Stadium is the place to go for a great night out: fun, excitement, and great food, all in luxurious surroundings. The spectacular new grandstand offers panoramic views of the track. With restaurant, lounge bar, and hospitality suites, all your needs are catered for. Racing happens every Tuesday & Friday evening and also on Saturdays during the summer months. Racing starts at 8pm.
Jungle Jim´s is a fun-filled area for would-be Tarzans and Janes from one to 14 years of age. It´s equipped to offer a different level of challenge and play for every age. Kids can swing over obstacles, and make their way through the monster maze, testing their bravery on the big slide, and crashing into the lagoon of soft balls. Lots of other amusements also for young and old in this feast of indoor fun.
