Ballyseede Castle - Activities

There is no limit to the attractions and activities local to Ballyseede Castle - from water adventures to the scenic Skellig Islands to adventurous walks and live theatre.

Ballyseedy Woods

Located on the edge of the Ballyseede Castle Estate, these 16th-century woods provide a unique and tranquil retreat which has at least 22 varieties of native trees. Look out for the ruins, the old house of John Blennerhasset, The Watermill, varied wildlife and much more.

Wild Water Adventures

A sunset sea-kayaking tour around Fenit Lighthouse; coasteering along the rugged red cliff coastline of Kerry Head; wild swimming in secret lakes; family fun on a giant SUP in the sheltered waters of Tralee Bay.

Skellig Islands

Skellig Michael, towering 714ft. (218 metres) above sea level, shot to fame in late-2017 as Luke Skywalker's hideaway in Star Wars - The Last Jedi. Boat tours run to the UNESCO

World Heritage site from late March to early October. On the spectacular Small Skelligs, 23,000 pairs of gannet nest on every available ledge, making it the second largest gannet colony in the world.

Tralee Town Park

Spanning 80 acres in the heart of the town, this provides a quiet haven whilst the Rose Garden, with its many unusual varieties, receives widespread acclaim. The park also contains a modern children’s playground and pets’ corner.

Golf

Ballyseede Castle has some of the best championship golf courses in Europe on its doorstep (11 in total), including Ballybunion and Killarney, home of the Irish Open 2010 & 2011. Tralee Golf Club, the first course in Europe designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, has developed a superb 18-hole ‘links’ course at Barrow and a particular favourite is the seaside-located Ballybunion Golf Club.

Touring Kerry

The Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula are two of the most scenic areas in Ireland. Enjoy the breath-taking and ever-changing scenery around the Lakes of Killarney, the Macgillycuddy Reeks and the Atlantic shoreline.

Boating & Angling

The Tralee & Fenit Ship Canal is great for water-based leisure activities in and around the town. Fenit, Banna and Ballyheigue Blue Flag beaches are also within easy reach of Tralee. Or, try your hand at fishing at any of the nearby lakes.

Folk Theatre

Founded in 1974, the Siamsa Tire Mission presents a wealth of music, dance and folklore on stage through vibrant, colourful theatrical entertainment and continues to create new folk theatre presentations, drawing on traditions and a rich cultural reservoir.

Walking Routes

Both the Dingle Way and the North Kerry Way commence in Tralee and open up the beauty and tranquillity of rural Kerry to the casual and serious walker. There are also many local walks in the town, including the canal bank walk and the walk to Ballyseedy Wood. The Kerry Trails Map includes over 130 trails and walks located throughout the county.

Tralee Aqua Dome

Tralee Aqua Dome is one of Ireland’s largest and most modern indoor water leisure facilities; it incorporates a free-form leisure pool, waves, rapids, water slide and sauna suite. An outdoor adventure play area with crazy golf and model boats also features.

A Night at the Dogs

Experience a night out with a difference at The Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, which has been developed to the highest standard and provides racing twice weekly (every Tuesday and Friday, and also on Saturday during the summer). The first race starts at 8pm.