much to see in TRALEE

Take in the splendour of Tralee’s hinterlands with a leisurely stroll by the canal

EVEN though it’s a bit away from the main heartbeat of Tralee Town, this is one of the most tranquil retreats you’re ever likely to find in proximity to a large town. Tralee folk with long memories will recall a time when the canal walk to Blennerville and the Lock Gates was far from an amenity area. But once it started to shake off the aftermath of its industrial past in the late 1980s, it has done nothing but prosper.

The canal walk has everything: scenery, convenience and plenty for the jogger, walker and nature lover to enjoy. It’s widely used by locals but visitors to the town should also take note. After a long day’s travelling by car or coach, a stroll out ‘the bank’ (as it’s known locally) is a lovely way to round off the day.

Walking from Tralee, the first thing that greets you is the sloping Slieve Mish Mountains and the historic Blennerville Bridge and windmill, built in the 19th century. For nature buffs there’s a vast array of bird life to savour. The swan pond is another tranquil addition but be sure to keep dogs on a leash and don’t feed the swans!

This is a wonderful amenity and if you’re a visitor to Tralee it’s a great way of meeting with locals who will be only too happy to stop and offer advice and directions on your surrounds.

An amenity like this is free and requires nothing but a good pair of walking shoes and some ambition. There’s much to see in Tralee town, but don’t forget to explore what was once the gateway to Tralee.