Top 24 Things to do in Tralee in 2024
We've curated some of our favourite activities, places and experiences to enjoy on your next visit to Tralee.
Take a dip in the sea
We are fortunate to have a selection of blue flag beaches to choose from. Our favourite for swimming is Fenit, its sheltered location is an ideal bathing spot or Banna’s 7km strand, very popular with swimmers and surfers alike.
Stroll through Ballyseedy Woods.
A sustainable woodland compromising of 80 acres with a variety of 22 native trees. There is a selection of colour coded routes to take all clearly signposted.
Hike one of the three Glanageenty Woods Loops.
The Glanageenty Loop (4km, 1 hour 20 mins, strenuous), Lenihan’s Loop (5km, 2 hours, strenuous) and the Bernard Brothers Loop (9km, 3 hours, strenuous) will guide you around the woods. Each loop has its own challenges, sights and beauty. Glanageenty is a remote valley known as the Sherwood Forest of Munster or the Valley of the Fairies.
Play a round of Golf at Tralee Golf Course
An 18 hole links course designed by Arnold Palmer in 1984. Palmer said ‘I may have designed the first nine, but surely god designed the back nine.’ Testament to the stunning backdrop the wild Atlantic is to the golfers on the course.
Cycle the Tralee to Fenit Greenway.
Experience the old Tralee to Fenit railway line, which was closed in 1978 and is now open as a 13.6km trail that begins at the Tralee Station and follows the route to Mouthawk all the way to village of Fenit. The route is over 13km and the end point Fenit is a beautiful coastal village popular with locals for its blue flag beach, playground and changing facilities. The Greenway offers spectacular and safe off road facilities for all ages and capturing some of Kerry’s most scenic landscapes.
Walk this way to Dingle.
The Dingle Way Trail is 179km in length and can take up to 8 days if completed in full. Alternatively, the trail can be done in sections beginning with the first stage Tralee to Camp. This section of the trail is 18km and is estimated to take 7 hours.
Make a splash!
Have a Splash in Brandon bay with a choice of water sports to enjoy, canoeing, body boarding, surfing, paddle boarding and more. If you love the water you will love all that Brandon Bay has to offer!
Jump for it!
Coasteering isn’t for the faint hearted but if you are looking for a thrill coasteering in North Kerry is for you. Coasteering is a unique way to explore the coastline while jumping, diving and scrambling along the craggy coastline.
Find a corner
Visit Tralee’s smallest pub Roundy’s on Brogue Maker’s Lane. Find a corner, grab a stool and enjoy a pint or a cocktail in one of the most charming pubs in town!
Tee Time!
Get ready to tee off at Tralee’s Pitch and Putt Course. Nestled in a peaceful woodland, the 18 hole championship Pitch and Putt course is a challenge for the more experienced players while being fun and casual for beginners.
Immerse yourself in Irish culture
Siamsa Tire is the home of Ireland’s National Folk Theatre. Bringing to life Irish folklore through music, song and dance. With a varied schedule of comedy, theatre, musicals and magic there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Blennerville Windmill
Blennerville Windmill is Ireland’s largest working windmill & home of Kerry’s model railway. It stands as the dominant landmark in Tralee Bay – where the town of Tralee meets the Dingle Peninsula. It was authentically restored to full working order in the 1980s. A tour of the Windmill includes historical video, exhibition on emigration and the Jeanie Johnston Ship, followed by a guided tour of the windmill. A favourite with kids is seeing how flour is made and of course the Kerry Model Railway.
Sunset Trekking
Trekking horseback is one of the best ways to see some of the fantastic scenery Tralee has to offer. Tralee Equestrian Centre will discuss with your the type of trek that would suit your ability and if you have a duration in mind. A fun and fantastic way to spend a few hours outside enjoying some of the best views in Co. Kerry.
Tralee Bay Wetlands
Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco and Activity Park offers a range of activities to enjoy. Guided and self-guided tours, Pedalo Boats, Rowing Boats, Electric Bikes, Water Zorbing and Outdoor Wall Climbing and more. There is a toddler playground and Café at the Visitor Centre and ample parking.
Kerry County Museum
Travel back in time with a trip to the Kerry County Museum. Explore the past through its interactive galleries, artefacts and activities.
Tropical Experience
The Aqua Dome is one of Ireland’s largest indoor waterworlds. It offers tropical temperatures all year round and kids and adults alike love to surf the waves, swim with the current, wrestle with rapid rivers and relax in the lazy river. After all that you can experience Aqua Golf, a 18 hole miniature golf course.
Eat like a local
Tralee Farmers Market is open every Saturday in the car park on Prince’s Street. Home to local produce including bread, sushi, fruit and vegetables, savoury pies and more. Before you head off for a cycle or a day trip a visit to the market is a must.
Golden Beaches
Banna Strand was previously voted Ireland’s #1 Beach by Trip Advisor. This is no surprise to locals who enjoy the golden sandy beach with glistening Atlantic sea. This blue flag beach is very popular with sea swimmers, surfers and kite surfing. The beach is serviced with public toilets and three car parks.
Tralee Town Park and Park Run
Nestled at the end of Denny St is the stunning Tralee Town Park. Visiting this park in July and August when it is in full bloom is like seeing a kaleidoscope of colour and scents. The park is popular all year round for walkers, runners and families as the paths are fully accessible and there is a sensory garden and large playground. Every Saturday morning the very popular Park Run takes place.
Ardfert Cathedral
Ardfert Cathedral is the site of a monastery founded by St. Brendan The Navigator in the 6th century. It can be found in the quaint village of Ardfert, about 10km from Tralee. The site features three medieval churches and several grave slabs. Ardfert village itself is a lovely traditional village to visit and is en route to Banna beach.
The Navigator
Brendan The Navigator is the patron Saint of Kerry, of boatmen, mariners, travelers, elderly adventurers, and whales, and also of portaging canoes. An impressive bronze sculpture of St Brendan the Navigator has been erected on Samphire Island in Fenit Harbour. Reach the top of the steps to visit the sculpture and amazing views of the bay.
The Rose of Tralee Festival
The Rose of Tralee Festival takes place every August. The International Festival is anticipated by locals and visitors alike. From live music on the streets, festival of events including the Rose Ball, Rose Selection Nights, street festival and more! This festival is fun for all the family and a great festival to the end the summer on.
A locals favourite
A Cocktail and Cookie Pan is a locals favourite from The Ashe Hotel. Enjoy a freshly baked warm cookie with ice cream gently melting while sipping your favourite cocktail in the stunningly decorated Alfie’s Lounge. An ideal shareable treat for a romantic date or a girlie catch up.
Shop till you drop
Tralee is the shopping capital of Kerry, the town centre has a wide selection of boutiques, shoe stores, jewellers, department stores, famous retailers and traditional haberdashery. Manor West Retail Park located on the outskirt of the town is home to the big names of retail, clothing, homewares, garden centre, pet shops, electrics and more.