Attractions North Kerry
North Kerry has a wealth of attractions to suit all ages and interests.
Kerry Model Railway is located in Blennerville, just outside Tralee town. The main exhibit is the model of the Tralee Dingle Railway Line which ended 26/27 of June 1953.The Tralee to Dingle Rail Model was constructed by the Chester Model Railway society when they decided to build a narrow gauge model in 1992. This forms the centre piece of the model items and artefacts at the exhibit.
Kerry Model Railway showcases the railway history in Kerry. Construction on the rail line started in late 1888 and took three years to complete. The last part of the construction was from Blennerville to Tralee and the last lone locomotive ran on the 22nd July 1953 to Dingle.
Tel: +353 (0) 66 712 1064
Location: Blennerville, Tralee,Co. Kerry
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The Playdium, in Tralee, is Kerry’s largest indoor kids’ play centre. Facilities include large kid’s soft play centre, climbing frames, plastic ball pools, indoor slides, formula fun kiddie’s go-karting, tiny tot’s play area, café…and a few surprises guaranteed to keep the kids happy and entertained in a safe and secure play environment. Offering indoor play facilities for children from toddlers to 12 years, the Playdium has 4 age segregated play areas allowing children of all ages to play and socialise in comfort and safety.
Our dedicated team will ensure that all children are allowed enjoy themselves to the full, whilst remaining safe and secure in this wonderful facility. For the safety and enjoyment of all, we have strict rules of behaviour and conduct, which we enforce.
The Playdium is a great place for children’s parties too. Contact us to book a party your child will never forget!
Tel: +353 (0) 66 719 2640
Email: bookings@theplaydium.ie
Facebook: The Playdium
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Wetlands Centre
Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre is Kerry’s newest attraction. The project is unique in the South of Ireland and interweaves nature and eco-tourism, soft adventure and water based activities. The Centre has two zones. The Activity Zone includes a light watersports lake with pedalo boats, rowing boats and water walker zorbs are for hire.
New for 2014 there will be a state-of-the-art climbing wall. The Nature Zone offers visitors an indoor interactive wildlife exhibition (multilingual) with children’s area, a guided nature boat tour of the Wetlands Nature Reserve (15 mins, wheelchair friendly), a visit to the 20-metre viewing and observation tower (lift and stair access), and the popular nature board walk where there are a number of bird hides.
Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre promises a great day for all no matter what the weather.
Tel: +353 (0)66 712 6700
Email: info@traleebaywetlands.org
Facebook: Tralee Bay Wetlands
Twitter: @traleebaywetlan
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Ballybunion Crazy Golf is the newest family attraction in North Kerry. Located on the complex of Ballybunion Golf Holiday Homes, this is a fun-filled activity suitable for all age groups. The 18-hole course is a miniature version of Ballybunion’s world famous Old Course, complete with names and history at each hole. Well known Ballybunion landmarks are strategically placed around the course.
Checker’s Café & Wine Bar is also on the site and during school holidays they run a kids’ cookery camp, Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 1pm. . The Crazy Golf is open 7 days a week in July and August, 10am-9pm, and at weekends during the rest of the year.
Enquiries can be made to Padraig at 087 2723650. Please see advert for further details.
Tel: +353 (0) 87 272 3650
Email: info@ballybunionhomes.com
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and Maritime Museum
The Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, which houses the original terminal building in Foynes, recalls that nostalgic era when Foynes became the centre of the aviation world from 1939 to 1945. The new Maritime Museum covers the history and personality of the River Shannon from Limerick to Loop Head. The river plays a major role in the history and mythology of Ireland.
On July 9th 1939, Pan Am’s luxury Flying Boat, the “Yankee Clipper,” landed at Foynes. This was the first commercial passenger flight on a direct route from the USA to Europe. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, this quiet little town on the Shannon became the focal point for air traffic on the North Atlantic. Now the “Yankee Clipper is back – our latest exhibit is the world’s only full scale replica of the Boeing 314, “Yankee Clipper.” You can travel back in time and see for yourself what it was like to be a passenger in one of these wonderful flying boats when you visit the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum!
Tel: +353 (0) 69 65416
Email: info@flyingboatmuseum.com
Facebook: Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Twitter: @FoynesMuseum
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Discovered in 1983 and thought to be over 1 million years old, Crag Cave is a magical wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites. It is an all weather visitor attraction located in Castleisland Co. Kerry 2 km off the N21.
Tour Times: 10:45am; 12pm; 2:30pm; 4pm & 5:30pm during January to May, and September to December. Tours are every half hour during June, July and August (Duration 40 minutes).
The Crazy Cave Activity Centre is Co. Kerry’s number 1 house of fun. Located in the world famous Crag Cave Visitor Centre, Crazy Cave covers 2 floors and has a wide range of fun filled areas. An all weather location, Crazy Cave is ideal for children up to 12 years of age and is fun and healthy! While you are visiting, sample some delicious home-cooked food in our accredited Garden Restaurant. Fantastic daily specials board and Fiver Friday deals!
Crag Cave is open year round and welcomes visitors during the times below:
January – Mid March
10am – 6pm Fri, Sat, Sun
Mid March – June
10am – 6pm daily
July – August
10am – 6.30pm daily
September – December
10am – 6pm daily
The Crag Cave Visitor Centre, car park, souvenir shop, toilets, play area and restaurant are fully accessible. To access the Crag Cave Tour visitors are required to climb over 72 steps; therefore the attraction is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams/pushchair.
Tel: +353 (0) 66 714 1244
Email: info@cragcave.com
Facebook: Crag Cave Ltd
Twitter: @CragCave
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Ardfert Friary was founded about 1253 by the Anglo Norman Thomas Fitzmaurice, the first Lord of Kerry for the Franciscan Order and it has had a chequered history. It was originally built as a Franciscan foundation but in the 16th century it was occupied by English soldiers and later by Protestant bishops. It is thought that it is built on the site of the ancient monastery of St Brendan himself which was destroyed by fire circa 1089. Thomas Fitzmaurice himself is bured in the north-east side of the high altar.
The layout of the building follows the standard layout of most Franciscan friaries comprising a large church for both friars and the local population with a cloister and residential offices for the friars to the north of this church. A large portion of the structure still remains including one side of the cloister walk. A residential tower was added to the west end of the church in the 15th century. It contains five floors each with a single room, some with window seats and garderobes (toilets). Unfortunately the tower is not accessible to visitors.
In the 17th century the Friary became absorbed into the estate of the Crosbie family, the local landlords in the Ardfert area, and became an ornament in the grounds of “the big house.” Ardfert Friary is an open site accessible to visitors year round. Access is on foot from a public car park, a walk of about 5 minutes.
Location: Ardfert, Co. KerryView Website
Ardfert Cathedral was once the ecclesiastical capital of Kerry and is a splendid 12th century ruin. A monastery was founded here by St. Brendan ‘The Navigator’ in the 6th century. There are three medieval churches, an ogham stone and a number of early Christian and medieval grave slabs on the site today. The earliest building is the cathedral which dates from the 12th to 17th centuries. It has a fine Romanesque west doorway, a magnificent 13th century east window and a spectacular row of nine lancets in the south wall. Two effigies of ecclesiastical figures of late 13th to early 14th century date are mounted on either side of the east window.
The battlements were added in the 15th century. The pre-12th century block of masonry is clearly visible in the north wall. One of the two smaller churches is a fine example of late Romanesque and the other is a plain 15th century structure with an interesting carving of a wyvern on one of the windows. Access for people with disabilities to exhibition area and viewing point.
Opening Hours: 1st May – 1st October 2014 : Daily 10am – 6pm, Tour duration is 40 minutes.
Email: ardfertcathedral@opw.ie
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– The National Folk
Theatre of Ireland
Siamsa, pronounced “Shee-am-sa”, comes from the Irish language. The word itself expresses mirth and music, Tíre means ‘of the land’. At the heart of Siamsa Tíre lies a five person professional core group of full-time players supported by selected artists drawn from the local community but trained in the unique Siamsa style and idiom. Full-time and community performers integrate and blend into a dedicated and talented team.
Following the move to its custom built premises in 1991, the company embraced the role of operating an Arts Centre. Now, in addition to its remit as the National Folk Theatre, Siamsa Tíre also hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Contemporary theatre, dance, classical music, comedy and literary events feature on a year round programme, as well as a vibrant visual arts line-up in the dedicated gallery spaces. Siamsa Tíre also hosts activities by a large number of local amateur arts organisations.
Siamsa Tíre continues to play a central role in Irish cultural life, regionally and nationally. Tours abroad over the past 40 years have also contributed to a growing international reputation for the company.
Email: info@siamsatire.com
Co. Kerry
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Climb to the top of Blennerville Windmill and experience the workings of a traditional windmill. The only power it needs is the wind! Once there is a breeze, the windmill sails are turning. Watch a film in our Audio-Visual Room and discover how the windmill was operated at the time of the Famine and how it was restored 20 years ago. See how the millers crushed grain to make flour over 150 years ago. Children can gain first hand experience of grinding their own wheat into flour while working the ‘Hand Kuerns’.
Learn all about the famine and understand how locals were forced to immigrate on board the famous Jeanie Johnston. Complete your tip by visiting the special bird-watching platform and enjoy the panoramic views of Tralee Bay. Blennerville Windmill is open 7 days a week from April to October.
Tel: +353 (0) 66 712 1064
Location: Blennerville,Tralee, Co. Kerry
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The Aqua Dome is one of Ireland’s largest indoor waterworlds and premier tourist attractions. It offers tropical temperatures all year round and is a great day out for all the family whatever the weather! The Aqua Dome is brimming with exciting features that capture the imagination of both children and adults alike. Some of these include: Swimming pool with realistic waves, a plunge down the outdoor Falling Rapids, whirlpool spas, a ride on the Sky High Flume, surfing waves and wrestling with River Rapids…just to name a few.
The Aqua Dome is literally packed with features for the whole family to enjoy, young and old, swimmers and non-swimmers. All pool areas are patrolled by qualified lifeguards for your safety and enjoyment. Swimming hats are not compulsory. Also includes an Adult Only Health Suite, Remote Control Vehicles, Crazy Golf and outdoor slide and bungee trampolines. You are guaranteed to enjoy your day out with us!
Email: info@aquadome.ie
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Listowel is a busy market town situated in the north of the county Kerry. It is the capital town of the region and makes an excellent destination to stay and to explore the rich historical architecture and amenity of nearby towns and villages. It is also a launch pad into west Clare and the west of Ireland with the Shannon Ferry just a 15 minute drive away.
Listowel is designated both as a heritage town and a historic town meaning that it has a unique story as told though its streetscape, historical architecture, amenity and people. The town is characterised by its attractive square and Norman castle together with its brightly coloured streetscapes. The town park is as beautiful as it is extensive, incorporating woodland, playing pitches, the outstanding Garden of Europe and its Holocaust memorial and monumental tributes to writers Schiller and John B. Keane. The famine graveyard and highly interesting Lartigue Monorail both provide insights into the town’s historical journey. The river Feale flows though the town bringing its amenity for all to enjoy though fishing, kayaking and riverside walks.
Listowel is notable for its writers both past and present; visit the Seanchaí Literary Centre, located in the heart of the town square, to learn all about famous writers from Listowel and their contributions to literature. Listowel is also a very pretty town and has the enviable distinction of winning Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town in 2015 and 2016.
In the contemporary context, Listowel has developed a whole host of quality restaurants, bakeries and cafes. Its boutiques attract travellers from near and far. Its pub scene is vibrant and varied with live performances of drama and contemporary and traditional music delivered on a year round basis. There are a whole host of treasures in Listowel making it a wonderful base from which to visit and enjoy the gems of nearby towns and villages.
Monorail & Museum
Located in Listowel, County Kerry, the Lartigue Monorail offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to experience a unique form of rail travel. The original steam-powered monorail (designed by Frenchman Charles Lartigue) ran for nine miles between Listowel and the seaside resort of Ballybunion. Operating from 1888 to 1924, it carried passengers, livestock and freight along a rail supported on A-shaped trestles. It occupies a special place in railway history as the only monorail of its type to operate successfully on a commercial basis. During its lifetime, the original Lartigue Monorail was an object of much interest, curiosity and amusement.
The Lartigue Monorail & Museum is a train trip with a difference. Experience a unique part of Ireland’s railway heritage. Your visit includes a short demonstration journey on a full-scale diesel-powered replica of the original monorail. During the journey you will experience the unique features of the monorail and will observe its ingenious switching system.
Before or after your journey, you can visit the Museum to watch film of the original Lartigue and see models, displays and memorabilia of the Lartigue and main-line railways. The friendly staff, consisting mainly of volunteers, will be on hand to provide information and answer your questions.
Opening hours: Seasonal, 7 days May 3rd to September 13th 1pm to 4.30pm. Special opening for groups can be arranged.
Email: station@lartiguemonorail.com
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The construction date of the earliest castle at Listowel dates to the 13th century but the present castle was probably built in the 15th century by the FitzMaurices. The castle stands on an elevation on a steep bank, overlooking the river Feale, above the location of a strategic ford.
A substantial part of the front of the castle survives consisting of two large, square towers of four storeys, standing almost to the original height of 15.3 metres, connected by a wall of the same height and linked together by an arch on one side. A major programme of conservation works has been undertaken at the castle including the provision of an external staircase to allow public access to the upper levels.
Opening hours: 23rd May – 28th August: Wed – Sunday 9:30am – 5:30pm with last admission 45 minutes before closing. The average length of visit is 1 hour and the tour is free.
Email: info@heritageireland.ie
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& Leisure Centre
Ballybunion Health & Leisure Centre is a family orientated facility with an emphasis on enjoyment for both the young and the young at heart. Activities at the Centre include Aqua Aerobics, a Teen Gym, scuba diving and more. It has a heated 20m x 10m adult pool, children’s pool, toddler’s pool, sauna, jacuzzi and exercise rooms.
There are also treatment rooms, an air conditioned gymnasium, aerobics room, jogging track and coffee/juice bar. There is a car park for patrons as well. The complex is open all year round and offers yearly and part-time membership.
Access for wheelchair users to all areas, including lift.
Email: info@ballybunionleisure.com
Ballybunion, Co. Kerry
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Kerry County Museum aims to collect, record, preserve, display and communicate material relating to the archaeological, historical and cultural heritage of County Kerry. The Museum began collecting in 1992 and now has over 4,000 objects in its own collection. In 1999 Kerry County Museum received designated status which allows it to hold archaeological objects found in Co. Kerry on behalf of the State. You can report an archaeological find to us and we can provide advice on protecting our archaeological heritage.
Kerry County Museum was one of the selected candidates for the 1994 European Museum of the Year Awards; in 1995 and 1997 we received special commendations in the Best Smaller Museum Category in the Museum of the Year Awards. In 2002 we won the Best Exhibition Award at the Museum of the Year Awards for the ‘Antarctica’ exhibition, displaying the life of Tom Crean.
The Museum was praised by the judges for the imaginative and striking design, and the judges felt that the presentation, design, the success in raising the profile of a local hero, the links with surviving relatives (which ensured the protection of important artefacts) and broader contextualisation of Crean’s achievements made Kerry County Museum a model and worthy winner.
Email: info@kerrymuseum.ie
Tralee, Co. Kerry
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Lislaughtin Abbey is located approximately one mile north of Ballylongford Village. In ruins now, it is a Franciscan Friary that was founded in 1475 by John O’Connor Kerry. The Friary is believed to have been built on the site of an earlier church dedicated to St. Lachtin of Muskerry who died in 622 AD. Up to the late 16th century, the Friary was one of the more important religious institutions in Kerry, so much so that a chapter of the Order was held there in 1507.
After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, it is evident that there were still monks at Lislaughtin. In 1580, the Abbey was besieged by the Elizabethan forces and three friars who had not fled were clubbed to death before the high alter. The Friars returned to the Abbey in 1629 before the Cromwellian wars brought this part of it’s history to an end.
Lislaughtin Abbey consists of a long house divided into choir and nave – the collapsed square tower was over the choir arch. The windows are all pointed and of cut limestone. Recessed in the south wall is a triple sedilla, stone seats for the priests and ministers. The two storey building, which held the refectory and dormitory, was reached from the church by a door in the north wall. This building was lit by 30 windows. To the north east of this building is a structure which was probably the garderobe (toilet).
Tel: +353 (0)66 712 1288
Location: Ballylongford, Co. KerryView Website
Carrigafoyle Castle is a very fine example of 15th century building. The castle was strongly built and ingeniously situated. Standing on the edge of the Shannon estuary on what was originally an island, Carrigafoyle Castle rises to five storeys with vaults over the second and fourth storeys. An unusually wide spiral stairs ascends in one corner of the tower which has small rooms as well as the main living spaces opening off it. The stone bawn wall at the foot of the castle contained a boat dock. One of the turrets in this wall seems to have been used as a dovecot where pigeons were kept for food.
A wide spiral staircase of 104 steps leads to the battlements and in presentation and size it rivals Blarney Castle. It rises to 26.4 meters and gives an impression of great strength. In the forefront of the view from it, Carrig Island and Scattery Island can be seen across the broad estuary of the Shannon.
Carrigafoyle Castle was the main stronghold of the O Connor Kerry, the principal chieftain of this barony named after him. For 400 years they were an important part of the ever changing political and military jigsaw of those times. From here O Connor Kerry was able to intercept ships going up the Shannon to Limerick, board them and take a part of their cargo. This practice continued until the middle of the 16th century.
In the Desmond wars in 1580, the castle came under fire from naval artillery on land and sea, under the command of Sir William Pelham. Following a two day siege the castle was breached and taken on Palm Sunday 1580. All the occupants, comprising nineteen Spanish and fifty Irish were massacred. Opposite the castle is the medieval Church of Carrigafoyle which is built in the same style as the castle.
Tel: +353 (0)684 3304
Location: Ballylongford, Co. KerryView Website
