Sunrise over Tralee wetlands.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre

Top choice in Tralee


A 15-minute nature-safari boat ride is the highlight of a visit to Tralee's wetlands centre. You can also get a good overview of the reserve's 3000 hectares, encompassing saltwater and freshwater habitats, from the 20m-high viewing tower (accessible by lift), and spot wildlife from bird hides. A light-filled cafe overlooks the main lake, which has pedal boats (€15 per 30 minutes) and rowing boats (€10 per 30 minutes) for hire.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tralee attractions

1. Kerry County Museum

0.57 MILES

An absolute treat, Kerry's county museum has excellent interpretive displays on Irish historical events and trends, with an emphasis on County Kerry. The…

2. Blennerville Windmill & Visitor Centre

0.94 MILES

Blennerville, 3.4km southwest of Tralee's centre on the N86 to Dingle, used to be the city's chief port, though the harbour has long since silted up. A…

3. Ardfert Cathedral

5.41 MILES

The impressive remains of 13th-century Ardfert Cathedral are notable for the beautiful and delicate stone carvings on its Romanesque door and window…

4. Banna Strand

7.32 MILES

A favourite weekend getaway for Tralee residents, Banna is one of the biggest and best Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, a 6km stretch of fine golden sand…

5. Crag Cave

11.58 MILES

This cave was discovered in 1983, when problems with water pollution led to a search for the source of the local river. In 1989, 300m of the 4km-long cave…

6. Glanteenassig Forest Recreation Area

13.28 MILES

Southeast of Castlegregory, these 450 hectares of forest, mountain, lake and bog are a magical, off-the-tourist-trail treasure. There are two lakes; you…

7. Kerry Bog Village Museum

14.83 MILES

This museum recreates a 19th-century bog village, typical of the small communities that carved out a precarious living in the harsh environment of Ireland…

8. Listowel Castle

15.95 MILES

Standing between the town square and the river, this 12th-century castle was once the stronghold of the Fitzmaurices, the Anglo-Norman lords of Kerry. It…