The Rose Hotel Blog

Ireland Unrushed – Slow Travel in Tralee

- Posted on: 29/07/2025 -

 

Imagine slowing down on your holidays. Tourism Ireland’s new global campaign, “Ireland Unrushed,” launched in June 2025, is all about embracing a slower pace. It encourages visitors to experience Ireland mindfully - through fresh local produce, scenic beaches, tranquil hiking trails, and simple moments of joy.

In the Kingdom, we don’t believe in rushed holidays. We understand the pressure that comes with planning a getaway - packing everything, organising activities, and making sure nothing is forgotten. That’s why we’re proud to offer something different: a slower pace of life. We invite you to take a breath, relax, and reconnect with nature and with yourself.

We’ve gathered a little inspiration below to help you find those unrushed moments during your visit to Tralee.

 

Ireland Unrushed

 

Take a deep breath in one of Kerry’s Saunas:

Kerry’s growing collection of beach and hill saunas offers a truly relaxing break, whether you're winding down after a busy day or taking a well-earned break during your travels. Open from morning to evening, it invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and soak in the calm.

And there’s nothing quite like a refreshing swim or cold plunge after a sauna session, especially when you're surrounded by such stunning scenery.

 

Here are a few local favourites:

  • Fenit Lighthouse Sauna, Fenit (Beach Sauna)

  • Acumeen Farm Sauna, Glenteenassig Road (Mountain Sauna)

  • Happy Days Sauna, Camp (Beach Sauna)

  • Béal Geal Sauna, Castlegregory (Beach Sauna)

  • Brandon Bay Sauna, Castlegregory (Beach Sauna)

 

Ireland Unrushed

 

Slow down, and discover on foot:

Lace up your boots and connect with a landscape that’s quiet, breathtaking, and beautifully unspoiled. Imagine wandering through hills dotted with grazing cows or stepping into peaceful valleys filled with wildflowers and surrounded by trees. There’s no schedule to follow, no rush, just fresh air, stunning views, and the freedom to move at your own pace.

It’s not about how far or how fast you go, but about slowing down, taking in the moment, and truly noticing the beauty around you.

 

Here are some beautiful hikes and walks to explore near Tralee:

  • The Dingle Way: Starting from Tralee, this is a stunning long-distance coastal trail with incredible scenery.

  • Ballyseedy Wood: A peaceful forest walk just outside Tralee town, perfect for a short, quiet escape.

  • Glenageenty Loop Walk: A forest trail rich in mystery, myth, and folklore.

  • Tralee Lee Valley Walk: A lovely canal-side walk with the Slieve Mish mountains as a scenic backdrop.

  • The Slí na Sláinte Walk: Easy, accessible walking routes around Tralee town, ideal for a relaxed pace.

  • Glanteenassig Forest Park: Just a short drive from Tralee, offering boardwalks, mountain views, and lakes hidden in the woods.

 

Ireland Unrushed

 

Discover the beauty of the Kingdom on the Water:

There’s something truly special about seeing the Kingdom from the water. Whether you set out on a boat tour or paddle your way along the coast in a kayak, the perspective shifts and the landscape takes on a new kind of magic.

As you glide across the water, you might catch sight of dolphins, seabirds skimming the waves, or simply enjoy the sound of the. Paddling toward the Fenit Lighthouse, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a peaceful sunset and inhale the sea air.

 

Here are a few local operators to help you explore the water in and around Tralee:

  • Tralee Bay Boat Trips: A family-friendly experience offering wildlife tours, fishing trips, and sunset/sunrise tours around Tralee Bay and Fenit Harbour.

  • Wild Water Adventures: Offers guided kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and exciting coastal exploration tours for all levels.

  • Kingdom Waves Surf School: Perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike, this surf school provides lessons and rentals.

  • Fenit Sea Safari: Enjoy a boat trip full of entertainment for the family, whether you’re a thrill seeker, birdwatcher, or nature enthusiast.

 

Ireland Unrushed

 

Explore Tralee by Bicycle:

One of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways to explore Tralee is on two wheels. The Tralee to Fenit Greenway offers a peaceful, car-free path through beautiful countryside, making it perfect for a ride at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll pass grazing cows and rolling hills, all with the fresh sea air and scenic views to keep you company.

Once you arrive in Fenit, take a break by the sea and treat yourself to a coffee or a well-deserved lunch as you soak in the coastal charm.

You can rent bikes locally with Tralee Bike Hire, or make it even easier by booking our Greenway Package at The Rose Hotel, which includes bike hire, so you can simply hop on and enjoy the journey.

 

Ireland Unrushed

 

Discover local flavours:

Kerry is famous for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially its seafood and locally sourced products. At The Rose Hotel, we collaborate closely with local suppliers to create seasonal menus that truly show the rich flavours of the county.

One of our standout dishes is “A Drive Around the Kingdom”, which showcases the very best of Kerry with ingredients as Organic Dingle goats’ cheese, Ashes black pudding, Kenmare smoked salmon, Eves relish, and Ballyduff organic leaves. Every bite of this dish is a delicious celebration of local flavours and local ingredients across Kerry.

 

Ireland Unrushed

 

Embrace traditional music in a local Pub:

When the sun sets, Tralee’s pubs come alive with the sound of traditional Irish music. Every Saturday night, we host live music at Dott’s Bar here in The Rose Hotel. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, more like a cosy living room than a typical bar. Order a pint of Guinness, find a comfortable seat, and let the music draw you in.

Across Tralee town, most of our local pubs offer music nightly, so soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the company of locals and fellow travellers.

 

Ireland Unrushed

 

Take a moment to enjoy a weekend trip, a long-awaited holiday, or a family break. Explore coastal trails, discover the countryside by bicycle, or simply slow down and stay longer. At The Rose Hotel, your home away from home, you’ll find comfort, calm, and true Kerry hospitality, and leave refreshed and inspired.