There are a number of sites, covering both the built and natural heritage, in and around the Tralee area that are of interest to my Department. I have listed them under the following headings. If the Deputy has a particular interest in any of the sites listed I will be happy to supply him with more detailed information on them. They are as follows:
National Monuments
Ardfert Cathedral lies just north of Tralee town has undergone a major programme of conservation and restoration to the Nave.
Ardfert Friary was founded probably in 1253 for the Franciscans. The tower was turned into a barracks in Elizabethan times but was later taken over by the Protestant bishop for religious use.
Rathass Church is located in the grounds of an old cemetery in Tralee. It contains a number of interesting features among them the flat headed west doorway and the round headed window in the east wall with its Romanesque moulding.
Architectural Inventory
Under the provisions of the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1999, a nationwide survey is currently being carried out by my Department to help identify structures and buildings which are of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. A draft survey covering Tralee will be completed next year. This will inform my recommendations to Tralee Urban District Council relating to the inclusion of individual structures in the record of protected structures.
Record of Monuments and Places in County Kerry
A record of monuments and places, a RMP, has been established under section 12 of the National Monuments (amendment) Act, 1994, in respect of all known archaeological sites and monuments. Under the RMP the historic core of Tralee is listed as an area of archaeological potential. In addition, there are a large number sites and monuments within the historic core of Tralee which are also included in the RMP and are thus indicative of the rich archaeological heritage of the area.
Nature Reserves in County Kerry
There are a total of 15 nature reserves in County Kerry. Two of them, Tralee Bay and Derrymore island, are geographically close to Tralee.
Tralee Bay comprises of 754.53 hectares and is situated on the north side of the Dingle Peninsula and west of Tralee. It is of international importance for waterfowl especially the wintering populations of Brent geese that it supports. It was established on l6 May l989 and is State owned.