TRALEE
& THE NORTH
THE BLENNERVILLE STEAM RAILWAY RUNS A REGULAR TIMETABLE
BETWEEN TRALEE (FROM THE AQUADOME) TO BLENNERVILLE HARBOUR.
The
Slieve Mish mountains give way as heading north rolling countryside
replaces the wild headlands of the south. Agriculture takes a firmer
hold in these parts and there is more order to the landscape.
Tralee (Trá Li) is a surprisingly large town and
as the capital of Kerry has a distinct and busy flavour of its own.
The streets are either commodious or narrow. In the latter there is
much atmosphere with little pubs, shops and restaurants everywhere.
In the centre of the town is the Kirby Brogue Inn which labels
itself "your landmark in Tralee" – and interestingly
enough it is. The evenings are full of Irish music and jazz and with
the narrow streets encircling the pub it is a popular location. The
last week in August is given over to the International Rose of Tralee
Festival which is an opportunity for late nights and general merriment
as deliberations continue as to the most worthy contender for the annual
title of the "Rose of Tralee".
In the larger and more stately avenues, some of them tree lined, there
is an air of graciousness with imposing facades and Georgian styles.
The Courthouse in Ashe Street is an distinctive building with enormous
cannon at its entrance, one titled "India" and the other "Crimea".
These cannon were brought from the Crimea where they saw action in the
Seige of Sevastapol.
The Old Market Place off Church Street is a fascinating area
with a hint of the medieval surrounded by a web of narrow streets.
Another impressive building is the Ashe Memorial Hall, set with
parkland to the rear and approached down the wide Georgian styled Denny
Street. It is home to the Tourist Information Office and the Kingdom
of Kerry interpretive centre. Inside are interesting exhibits on
the people and the land of the region, from early to present day. There
is a reconstruction of market day in 15th century Tralee and separate
displays of history from the first Celts to modern day Ireland.
Close by is the Siamsa Tire Theatre – the National Folk
Theatre (sic) which presents a celtic orientated programme in an atmospheric,
modern building which beautifully captures the old Irish style.
