Tralee Celebrates 800 Years

Tralee, the capital of County Kerry, has reached the ripe old age of 800. Founded in 1216 by John FitzThomas Fitzgerald, the town will kick-off the celebration with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade as the first of the “Tralee 800” events that will run throughout the year.
The town commissioned Abbey Cummings of Kerry County Council’s Tourism Unit to design a special logo for the celebrations; the logo prominently displays a representation of the River Lee, for which the town is named (“trá” means “strand” or “beach” in Irish).
Activities for the commemorations will cover a wide range; the Kerry County Museum and Library will offer programming to highlight how the town has evolved between the 13th and 21st centuries. In June, the town will host the Tralee 800 Festival, which will include a medieval reenactment, a screening of Ireland’s Euro 2016 football match against Belgium, and live music.
“Tralee has a long and proud history from the very foundation of the town in the 13th century to the present day,” Councillor Pat McCarthy, Chairman of the Kerry County Council and of the Tralee 800 group said.
“We are looking forward to sharing and celebrating the town’s history and traditions with locals and visitors alike.” ♦