If Kerry is the Kingdom of Ireland, Tralee must be the feather in the royal cap.
It’s an incredible town with something to offer everyone who enjoys fun, food and general merriment.
Don’t believe us? Well, tuck in to these 11 things to do in Tralee, and you’ll find out why…
1. Banna strand
Kerry’s number one holiday destination, Banna strand is as heavenly as it is charming. Miles and miles of open, unspoilt beach to walk along.
Also a perfect place to bring the dogs, if you’ve treated the pups to a holiday too.
2. The Roast House
The Roast House boasts incredible breakfasts of rich buttermilk pancakes, lunches of barbecued pulled pork sandwiches and dinners of sumptuous veal with red wine jus – but it’s their coffee that really takes the biscuit, or em, coffee bean.
You simply couldn’t go anywhere else for your morning pick-me-up.
3. Kerry County Museum
Kerry County Museum is a fantastic activity for adults and kids alike, and is perfect for those long rainy days that Irish summers often provide us with.
Currently, they have a special exhibit on the 1916 Rising, as well as a Medieval Experience with live actors who involve you in every step of the way. It feels like stepping back in time, and is a deadly experience for all the fam.
4. Roundy’s Bar
Meticulously converted from a terrace house (complete with tree still growing right through the courtyard garden-turned-interior), this trendy little bar has cool tunes, live bands and regular DJs spinning old school funk.
They also whip up a life-changing candyfloss cocktail… Enough said.
5. Blennerville watermill
Here is an attraction that is for sure not to be missed – even though it would indeed be hard to, considering the sheer enormity of it.
Just €4 gets you an hour-long glimpse into the past, a terrific view of Tralee Bay, the River Lee and the canal AND a model train display.
6. Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre
Popular with locals and tourists alike, Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre quite literally has something for everyone.
Their nature safari boat ride, spanning over 15 minutes, is the highlight of a visit to the Centre. The main lake has pedal boats, costing €10 per 30 minutes, and row boats, coming in at €8 per 30 minutes, for hire, and a light-filled lakeside café. There’s also a smaller lake where you can learn to fish too.
7. Guided tour of the Dingle Peninsula
Witness the breathtaking postcard-worthy beauty of the Dingle Peninsula in your very own guided tour. You’ll follow a coastal trail on windswept cliffs and beautiful coastlines with fresh seafood and tips on where the locals go.
Tour highlights include: A stroll along Inch Strand, learning some Gaeilge, driving the Slea Head driving route, and seeing the incredible Wild Atlantic Way in all her glory.
8. Siamsa Tíre, The National Folk Centre
Siamsa Tire is the real jewel in the crown of Tralee – residents are insanely lucky to have this wonderful auditorium on their doorstep. You’re completely guaranteed a good viewing spot due to the size and layout of this incredible place.
This summer, make sure not to miss the incredible Oileán – a celebratory play of the Blasket Islands.
9. Quinlan’s Fish
Award-winning, nationally famous and locally produced fresh fish; Quinlan’s isn’t lying when it says it stocks Kerry’s freshest fish. This is where the locals do their shopping.
But beware – there are queues out the door almost every single day.
10. Chez Christophe
Consistently delicious, finely-produced and ludicrously high standards, Chez Christophe is a heavenly slice of France, right in the heart of Tralee.
This hidden gem has melt-in-your-mouth quiche, polenta-crusted aubergine with chilli and almond filling, tender monkfish fillet and one of the best wine lists you’ll see in Munster.
11. Rose of Tralee
…you thought we’d forgotten, didn’t you?
The Rose of Tralee kicks off every August right in the heart of it all, and is so much more than just a beauty pageant. It’s five-day-long extravaganza, bookended by a gala ball and a ‘midnight madness’ parade led by the newly crowned Rose, followed by a wondrous fireworks display.
The town of Tralee blossoms for the occasion, with visitors travelling from all across the world to see the roses, and escorts, shine.