Tralee Sights and Landmarks Guide, Ireland

The County Kerry in South-western Ireland has always been one the of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The natural beauty of the region makes it one of Ireland’s most representative landmarks, and billions of tourists from worldwide visit it every year. Tralee is the largest town in County Kerry, and it is also one of Ireland’s cultural capitals, along with Cork and Galway. The city combines elements of traditional Irish life, as well as modern architecture. Although Kerry is full of famous tourist attractions, Tralee is probably the best place to start a tour of the county. This Tralee Sighs Guide will point out the main sights of this charming town.

Tralee Sights Guide - Museums and other sights

The Kerry County Museum, located in the city centre, shows a collection of artefacts documenting the county’s past. The museum is hosted by Ashe Memorial Hall, a beautiful example of Queen Anne revival style architecture. The displays include objects dating back as far as the Stone Age, and even pistols that have once belonged to the famous Irish liberator, Daniel O’Connell. The museum also has a theme park, the Geraldine Experience, inspired by life in medieval Geraldine Tralee. The theme park faithfully recreates the atmosphere of Tralee in the 1450’s, down to the most minute details like smells!

Blennerville, a village near Tralee, can boast of having the largest functioning windmill in Ireland. Visitors are shown every step of the flour making process, and admire the display on the village’s colourful past. The Blennerville Windmill was built in the 18th century, but it has fallen into ruin after only a few decades. It was renovated and turned into a tourist attraction in the 1980’s.

The railway between Tralee and Dingle, a small seaside village not far from the town, was built in the 19th century but it was closed down after the World War II. The scenic railway route was partially opened up recently, and the train operates from Tralee’s Aquadome to Blennerville. Local railway enthusiasts brought back an original narrow-gauge steam engine which now transports tourist to Blennerville.

Tralee Sights Guide - Culture and history

Tralee is one of Ireland’s cultural centres, especially when it comes to traditional arts. Tralee is the site of the Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. It was founded in 1974 by a local priest, Father Pat Ahern, and it was intended as a way to preserve and disseminate Ireland’s traditional dance, music, theatre and storytelling. The theatre has performed in venues all around the world and has won numerous prizes. If you are interested in traditional Irish culture, this Tralee Sights Guide recommends that you attend one of the Siamsa Tire’s performances; it is an excellent way to learn more about Ireland’s fascinating cultural heritage.

There are numerous archaeological sites near Tralee, especially Irish trademark ring forts, Iron Age structures that are closely tied to Irish folklore. There are no organised tours for visitors, but most of these historical sites are only pleasant walk away.