Ballyseedy Wood Walk

Ballyseedy Wood - A Tranquil Retreat. Take the Killorglin Road (N70) from Tralee. Turn left at Skehanagh Cross onto the Farmer’s Bridge Road (L2011). Access to the wood is 2km further along this road to the left. It is well signposted. Park in the car park. Access is also possible on the northern side from the N21 – the main Castleisland/Killarney approach. Take the turn-off for Ballygarry House Hotel, turn left at T-junction and park in the cul-de-sac near the entrance to the wood. Ballyseedy Wood dates back at least to the 16th century when it is was first mapped for Sir Edward Denny. Further planting took place by Col. John Blennerhassett in the early 18th century who had his castle nearby. Today, Ballyseedy is a sustainable woodland recreational amenity for the people of Kerry and visitors alike. It is a unique and tranquil retreat which extends to nearly 80 acres. It has at least 22 varieties of native trees and they are marked with their Gaelic and English names in the woods. As you wander along the Old Coach Road which served the Blennerhassett estate and plantation, look out for the majestic Ash, Oak and Beech trees - they have been growing here for centuries. There are a number of ruins and follies within the wood, dating back to the 17th century, with the River Lee (from which Tralee takes its name) forming the woodlands northern boundary.