Tralee Bay in 2004, looking towards Mount Brandon.Tralee Bay
Tralee Bay (Irish:Loch Foirdhreamhain / Cuan Thrá Lí) is located in on the west coast ofCounty Kerry,Ireland. It is situated betweenKerry Head on the north side and theMaharees on the west and extends eastwards as far as the bridge at Blennerville. Several small rivers feed into the bay through the town ofTralee. Villages around the bay include;Ballyheigue,Fenit, Kilfinora,Spa,Blennerville, Camp andCastlegregory.
The hinterland of Tralee Bay is rich in historic content covering most major eras in the origins and development of the Island and the Nation, from the mythological history, social and industrial development to relatively recent political evolution. In conjunction withBarrow Harbour, the following list of people, items, places and events are indicative and relevant;
A bird sanctuary is located on the south side of the bay on the low-lying land of Derrymore Island.
Little Samphire is a low-lying rock in the Bay on which alighthouse stands. The lighthouse, operated and maintained by theCommissioners of Irish Lights also marks the limit of the harbour area under the control of Tralee and Fenit Harbour Board.
Great Samphire Island is a small rock in the Bay around which is built the harbour and port ofFenit. The name comes from the rather rareyellow samphire plant that grows there. A monument toSaint Brendan the Navigator is located at the apex.
Tralee Golf Club overlooks the whole bay from an elevated position at Barrow.
