Pedalo boats on the activity lake
Hire a pedalo or rowboat on the large shallow lake for 30 minutes; €20 for up to four people. Weather permitting — check timeslots in advance.
Tralee Bay Wetlands
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About
A tranquil urban nature reserve on Tralee Bay, where a mosaic of reedbeds, marsh and ponds sits beside an activity lake with pedalos, a climbing wall and a 20-metre viewing tower. Run by Kerry County Council and open every day of the year.
Things to Do
Toddler playground and outdoor gym
Free outdoor toddler playground and exercise area next to the visitor centre, handy while older children are on the water or the wall.
Lakeside Café and picnics
The Lakeside Café has an outdoor seating and decking area overlooking the activity lake, open daily 9am-5pm for tea, coffee, scones, sausage rolls, sandwiches, wraps and homemade desserts. Picnic benches on the front green if you bring your own.
Guided Electric Boat Tour
A 30-minute silent-motor safari boat trip with a resident ecologist, spotting birds, amphibians and dragonflies. Runs at 11am and 3pm; €10 adult, €5 child, life jacket and spotter sheets included.
Viewing & Observation Tower
A 20-metre tower at the heart of the reserve with both stairs and a lift, giving a bird's-eye view over the whole of Tralee Bay Special Area of Conservation and 60km of Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Free with all tours; open February to November, 10am-4pm. Binoculars can be hired at reception.
Self-guided wetlands walk
Pay €4 at reception (children free) for access to the nature reserve, bird hides and the nature boardwalk, with an information sheet, spotter sheet and downloadable audio tour. Some ground is uneven and wet, so wear sturdy footwear.
Outdoor climbing wall
A nine-metre climbing wall and bouldering area with automated belaying, open daily 11am-4pm. €19 adult or child, 45 minutes, ages 7+ with a guardian present. Harness and instruction provided; flat closed shoes required.
Wildlife spotting
The reserve is a mosaic of reedbed, marsh, ponds and river channels. Look for mute swans, grey heron, little egret, curlew, teal, moorhen, snipe, common frogs and smooth newts, with dragonflies and damselflies on the wing from late May to August.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open daily from 9am, 9am to 5pm with last admission at 4:30pm (last admission for tours and activities 4pm). The customer car park closes at 5pm sharp; charges apply for access outside these times. All activities and eco tours are weather permitting.
- Admission: Self-guided reserve entry €4 adult, child free; guided nature tour €5 adult / €3 child
- Parking: Free car park and dedicated coach car park on site, right at the visitor centre. The customer car park closes at 5pm daily.
- Food: Lakeside Café open daily 9am-5pm with tea, coffee, scones, sausage rolls, croissants, sandwiches, wraps and homemade desserts, plus outdoor seating and decking overlooking the activity lake. Bringing a picnic is allowed, with benches on the front green.
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