There is a real opportunity with planned investment in existing and new product development to promote Tralee as a leading destination as a family friendly, multiactivity destination for short and long-term holidays.
Waterways form an integral part of the tourism infrastructure in Kerry. Tralee has the inherent advantage of being a large urban area on the sea, but our investment in our existing assets does not recognise this fact. Building resilience and additionality into the existing assets of Tralee, namely Blennerville Windmill, the Aquadome, Tralee Town Park and the Tralee Bay Wetlands will be critical to the growth of recreation and tourism in Tralee.
We are seeking greater emphasis on the virtues of the Canal area of Tralee from the basin to the lock gates, and from the Blennerville Windmill location out beyond Reen Point, as a potential economic driver of tourism, recreation and leisure that will benefit the towns visitors and inhabitants. Sufficient analysis, proposals and reports have already been submitted by Tralee Chamber and others for the development of the Canal and Lee Valley area.
The ‘Developing Tourism in Tralee-Action Plan to 2025’ clearly identified Tralee’s potential to develop as the premier ‘Outdoor Adventure’ location in Ireland. The Development plan must also take into consideration the provision of additional tourism development areas adjacent to the town of Tralee.
Strong examples of such would be the potential re-zoning and acquisition of the former John A. Woods quarry site in Ballymacelligot on the Tralee-Castleisland road which should be re- designated for it’s potential to be sustainably re-developed into an activity and recreation facility. Additionally, the development of Mountain Bike Trails (similar to Ballyhoura) in the greater Tralee area should receive priority action in the county development plan. There are many suitable locations near to town that don't fall under SAC. Stacks Mountains for example with many forest trails.
The growth in this outdoor sport is huge but very few official trails and would greatly help to identify Tralee as an Outdoor Adventure destination. Also, this is not a seasonal sport and would attract visitors in the off season.
The Tralee to Fenit Greenway, the Tralee to Spa Greenway, offers huge potential to develop a walking and cycling trail to Fenit and opens up opportunities to develop Fenit as a destination. A Fenit Facilities and Infrastructure Plan should be completed to identify opportunities for commercial development providing services for visitors (cafes, shops, bike hire etc.) plus car-parking requirements to meet existing seasonal demand and future demand.
Access to tour providers to Fenit Lighthouse would be another unique experience for visitors.
Projects identified in the Developing Tourism in Tralee Action Plan to 2025 should be supported. These include:
- Relocating the tourist information office to a more central town centre location.
- Supporting the development of blue ways on the Tralee Canal to Fenit.
- Support the development the Diving Boards at Fenit.
- Promoting Tralee as a destination and base for outdoor adventure tourism market.
- Develop commercial units at the Basin to complement potential water-based activity on the canal.
- Further develop the wetlands as a multi-facility Eco-Adventure Park.
- Development of heritage and architectural trails within the town centre.
- Potential reuse of the Courthouse as a Community Arts & Heritage Centre.
- Development and promotion of the Blennerville Windmill Heritage Experience.
- Development of cultural quarters within the town centre.
- Promoting the night-time economy.
- Utilising vacant properties for artisan producers and crafts.
- Permanent location for the Rose of Tralee Festival and the development of an events centre in the Fels Point Opportunity site linked to the town centre by the Rose Walk which would support the development of the MICE market for Tralee.