Tralee

By Georgina Downes
You know the drill; schedule planned, kids dressed, marching out the door when suddenly, it pours. Anybody pack the Scrabble? You can put the board games away because Tralee by the sea has you covered. Literally. The town is bursting with indoor activities guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained, so throw on a smile – it’s time to have some fun.
Start your day off at the Kerry County Museum at the top of Denny street. Too stuffy for the kids? Think again. Described as “an absolute treat” by The Lonely Planet Guide to Ireland, this gem of a museum is chock-a-block with riveting archaeological treasures, artefacts and folklore. Spend hours weaving your way through thousands of years of Kerry history.&nbsp;
The Main Gallery houses beautiful, priceless objects, and punchy wall displays narrate the story of the Kingdom’s people and landscapes from the earliest times right up to the 20th Century. Tom Crean enthusiasts, discover everything you need to know about the Arctic explorer. Budding archaeologists, try your hand at a simulated dig using genuine tools and brushes. GAA fans, you won’t believe the ingenious way balls were made before the modern-day sliotar.&nbsp;

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/7c2c5a37-ca8b-4cde-83ba-5c9767d15ded.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The Medieval Experience transports you slap-bang into the middle of Tralee’s streets as they would have been in 1450. Stare the past in the face with life-size models of ye-olden-folk complete with the sounds and smells of a bustling community – thankfully, not all the smells. See what people wore, what they ate and where they lived. Find out why the Earls of Desmond, who founded Tralee, finally destroyed it. Meanwhile, kids can rummage through the costume chest, channelling characters from times gone by, clanking swords and reaping havoc, while sneakily absorbing a little bit of history too.
And now for some 21st-century fun. If your family likes splashing about in water, then they’ll love The Aqua Dome. One of Ireland's largest indoor water attractions, The Aqua Dome operates under balmy, tropical temperatures all year round so no shivering on the sidelines dipping your toe in the water. It’s just get in, say ahh, and relax. Don’t want to get wet? No problem. Throw a few shapes in the gym. Enjoy a massage at the Vitality Spa. Recline on a lounger while the kids rocket down the 90-meter Flume, feet first all the way, jettisoning into the landing area where, at a glance, they can clock their speed on a digital, overhead timer. It’s not for the faint-hearted. Fastest recorded time is 10.08 secs - beat that!

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/27e0d994-2e07-4663-8e67-1a4f191d8782.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The pool also features a hydraulic pump system providing plenty of thrills including Sprays, Cannons, Gushers and Geysers and simulated waves. For smallies, there’s a shallow paddling pool so no one misses out. And if the sun does resurface, nip outside for some Aqua Golf, a funky little 18-hole mini-golf course, guaranteed to have even Shane Lowry tearing his hair out.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Rain, hail or shine, a visit to Tralee’s Wetlands Centre is a must for everyone, but especially those interested in eco-tourism. If you want to get up-close and personal with Kerry’s wading birds, this is the place to be. The Wetlands Centre is a fabulous, marshy sanctuary reclaimed from mud banks where the River Lee meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is a vital resource for native biodiversity, but it’s also a fantastic and worthy day out for all the family. Budding environmentalists, ornithologists or anyone who just wants to connect with nature, here’s your tribe.&nbsp;

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/63177ca0-e852-4931-8574-5cd96ed47c01.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Take a guided boat trip that meanders through reeds and rushes and see the birds in their natural habitat. Hire a pedalo or rowboat for a jaunt around the lake or go water zorbing, or try out the 30-foot rock climbing experience! Rent an electric bike and scoot around the trails or nip into town. When you’ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself to lunch at the Lakeside Café then stock up on some eco-friendly souvenirs from the gift shop. Good people, great cause, best day out.
If indoor bowling is more your speed, you’re in luck. Bowling Buddies at Manor Retail Park boasts a state-of-the-art, 10 lane alley with automatic scoring, a revamped café and a video arcade with a myriad of games, plus friendly staff with plenty of coins. Their new, Skywalker Experience sees youngsters harnessed and hoisted high, skipping across overhead beams like mountain goats while the kid’s play-area is perfect for setting the toddlers down safely while you enjoy a decent, uninterrupted cup of coffee.
&nbsp;Another high-octane, all-weather venue for kids is The Playdium, also located at Manor Retail Park. At over 10,000 square feet, The Playdium is the largest indoor play area of its kind in Kerry and features all the attractions any self-respecting 0 to 12-year-old might expect in a house of fun, including giant slide, massive climbing tower, mini Formula 1 race track, ball pit, café with cake, and a designated tiny tots’ area. They’ll sleep like babies after that.&nbsp;

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/c59a44e8-3ff7-4ca5-a763-064fdb026ab6.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Of course, there’s always the movies. Tralee’s Omniplex Cinema is a modern, centrally located 8-screen theatre with free-parking, on-line booking system, automated ticket purchase, assigned seating, and 3D performances. For true film buffs, try OmniplexMaxx, Omniplex’s Premium Large Format screen, guaranteed to deliver a totally immersive experience for the savvy viewer. Popcorn, nachos, pic n mix, check. Now nestle into that huge leather seat and enjoy.&nbsp;
See our Attractions Tab to find out more about any of the above.

What If It Rains?

DOWNLOAD AND XPLORE