Tralee
Photos: (Clockwise) The entrance sculpture at Seanchaí - The Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre; "A Day in the Bog" Museum; Blennerville Windmill; Tralee & Dingle Steam Railway.
Mention Tralee, and almost everyone starts humming the song "The Rose of Tralee." This famous tune, written by a local resident almost 100 years ago, is still important today, especially each August when the "Rose of Tralee" Festival is held.
Even if you are not interested in "Rose-related" happenings," Tralee has a lot to do and see. Tralee is the largest town in County Kerry, the county seat, and a major market and shopping center. It is also home to a variety of indoor museums and weather-proof activities, making it an ideal destination in sun, clouds, or rain.
Top attractions include:
"A Day in the Bog," Leam, Kilflynn, Tralee (tel. 066-713-2555), is a unique museum focusing on the history and lifestyle of Ireland's boglands. Built and operated by the local community, it's an informative and imaginative exhibit including an audio-visual and displays of bog cotton and turf-cutting equipment. The site also offers a community-run café and craft shop. It's well worth a stop on the main road between Listowel and Tralee. Open daily.
Kerry: The Kingdom, Ashe Memorial Hall, Denny St., Tralee (tel. 066-712-7777), housing a trio of activities — the Kerry County Museum; Kerry in Colour, a photographic and audio-visual display; and Geraldine Tralee, a stroll through Tralee as it looked, smelled, and sounded in the Middle Ages. Open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except slightly shorter hours in January-March. Web site: www.kerrymuseum.ie
Siamsa Tire, Town Park, Tralee (tel 066-712-3055), the National Folk Theatre of Ireland and an exhibit centre on Irish music and art. Summer evening program nightly, April to October. Web site: www.siamsatire.com
Blennerville Windmill, Blennerville, Tralee (tel. 066-712-1064), has been a fixture on the Tralee horizon since 1800. The 60-foot-high tower mill is reputed to be the largest working windmill in Ireland or Britain producing five tons of ground wholemeal flour per week. A guided tour includes an audio-visual presentation and hands-on demonstrations. Open daily, April to October, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or later.
Tralee & Dingle Steam Railway, Ballyard, Dingle Rd., Tralee (tel. 066-712-1064), a 2-mile (20 minute) vintage train ride along a scenic 19th century canal route. The equipment and tracks originally belonged to the "Tralee & Dingle Light Railway" (1891-1953), one of the world's most famous narrow-gauge systems of its day. All aboard! Open daily, May to September.
Seanchaí - The Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre, The Square, Listowel (tel. 068-22212). The great story-telling traditions of North County Kerry are celebrated at this museum about 17 miles north of Tralee. Housed in a 19th century Georgian building, it traces the history of oral storytelling and how it evolved into a form of writing (thanks to the "seanchaí" or local storyteller). Using a format of exhibits and interactive audio-visuals, the centre spotlights more than 100 local writers including internationally acclaimed scribes such as John B. Keane, Bryan MacMahon, Brendan Kennelly, Maurice Walsh, and George Fitzmaurice. A Literary Café and well-stocked book shop are also on the premises. Open daily April to September; and Monday to Friday, October to March. Web site: www.seanchai-klcc.com
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