Tralee Bay facts for kids

Tralee Bay (Irish: Loch Foirdhreamhain / Cuan Thrá Lí) is a beautiful bay on the west coast of County Kerry, Ireland. It stretches from Kerry Head in the north to the Maharees in the west, reaching east to the bridge at Blennerville. Many small rivers flow into the bay through the town of Tralee.

Around the bay, you'll find charming villages like Ballyheigue, Fenit, Kilfinora, Spa, Blennerville, Camp, and Castlegregory. The bay is a special place, recognized internationally as a Ramsar site since 1989 for its important wetlands.

Tralee Bay in 2004, looking towards Mount Brandon.

Tralee Bay

Discovering Tralee Bay's History and Nature

Tralee Bay and the land around it are full of amazing history, from ancient myths to modern times. It's a place where you can learn about Ireland's past and enjoy its natural beauty.

Historical Highlights

• Scotia's Grave: This is a legendary burial site linked to an ancient Egyptian princess named Scotia, who is said to have come to Ireland long ago.
• Ring Forts: These are old circular settlements, often surrounded by earthen banks, built by early Irish people for protection.
• Blennerville Windmill: A famous landmark, this working windmill tells the story of how people used wind power in the past. It's also where many Irish people left for America during difficult times.
• Saint Brendan: Known as "the Navigator," Saint Brendan was an Irish monk who, according to legend, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in a leather boat in the 6th century. There's a monument to him at Fenit.
• Tralee Ship Canal: This canal allowed ships to reach Tralee town, helping trade and transport goods.
• Spanish Armada: In 1588, several ships from the Spanish Armada, a large fleet sent to invade England, were wrecked off the coast of Kerry, including near Tralee Bay.
• Jeanie Johnston: A replica of a famous "famine ship," the Jeanie Johnston carried Irish emigrants to North America during the Great Famine. It often visits Fenit Harbour.
• Fenit Harbour: This important port has been a hub for fishing and trade for many years.
• RNLI: The RNLI has a lifeboat station at Fenit, ready to rescue people in trouble at sea.
• Maharee Islands: Also known as The Seven Hogs, these islands are a beautiful and wild part of the bay.
• Dingle Peninsula: This stunning peninsula, known for its rugged beauty and Irish language culture, starts just south of Tralee Bay.

Natural Wonders

• Bird Sanctuary: On the south side of the bay, on Derrymore Island, there's a special place where many different kinds of birds live and rest. It's a great spot for birdwatching!
• Oyster Beds: Tralee Bay is home to oyster farms, where these delicious shellfish are grown.
• Yellow Samphire: This rare plant grows on Great Samphire Island, giving it its name.

Places to See Around the Bay

Moving clockwise around the bay from Kerry Head, here are some interesting spots:

• Kerry Head: The northern point of the bay, offering great views.
• Ballyheigue: A coastal village with a lovely beach.
• Banna Strand: A long, sandy beach famous for its beauty and history.
• Fenit Island: An island connected to the mainland by a causeway, home to Fenit village and its harbour.
• Barrow Harbour: A smaller, sheltered bay located within Tralee Bay, east of Fenit Island.
• Samphire Lighthouse: Standing on Little Samphire rock, this lighthouse guides ships safely into Fenit Harbour.
• Spa: A small village known for its scenic views.
• Blennerville: Home to the famous windmill and the starting point of the Tralee Ship Canal.
• Castlegregory: A village on the Maharees peninsula, popular for watersports.
• Lough Gill: A beautiful freshwater lake near Castlegregory.
• The Maharees: A sandy peninsula known for its stunning beaches and excellent conditions for surfing and windsurfing.
• Scraggane Bay: A small bay within the Maharees area.

Fun Activities

• Angling: Fishing from the shore, especially near the viaduct leading to Fenit Harbour, is a popular activity. You can also take a boat out into the bay with licensed fishing guides.

Shipwrecks of Tralee Bay

Over the years, several ships have been lost in or near Tralee Bay. These shipwrecks tell stories of the sea's power and the dangers faced by sailors.

• Integrity: Lost on March 13, 1837, off Brandon Head while traveling from Tarbert to the Clyde.
• Audrey Anne: A 65-foot trawler lost off Brandon Head on December 5, 1998.
• Brothers: A Dingle hooker (a type of traditional Irish boat) carrying potatoes, lost on May 4, 1841.
• Saint Lawrence: A large sailing ship (barque) that went ashore at Ballyheigue Bay on February 7, 1840.
• Port Yarrock: Sank in Brandon Bay on January 29, 1894, while coming from California. All 22 crew members were lost.

Nearby Bays

Brandon Bay is the next bay to the southwest of Tralee Bay. To the north, you'll find the large Shannon Estuary. As mentioned, Barrow Harbour is a smaller bay located inside Tralee Bay itself, east of Fenit Island.

|