Tralee, a hidden gem in County Kerry, won my heart with its green fields, small pubs, and kind people. On my last trip, I stayed at five hotels with pools, each offering its own unique charm and comfort. Here’s my story, full of advice and important tips to help you plan your great getaway

1.Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa: An Oasis in the Countryside

Location: Leebrook, Tralee
Rating: 4 stars | Rooms: 64 | Opened: 1958

What I Liked:

It was like a retreat from the world; this hotel was situated on 10 acres of the most well-maintained gardens. I had rooms overlooking the Kerry Mountains and soaked daily in the heated indoor pool. It combined rustic elegance with modern amenities, making it absolutely perfect.

Initial Impressions:

The ivy-covered facade, manicured gardens, and winding approach set a tranquil mood. The roaring fireplace and fresh scone smells from the tea service made me feel right at home.

Top Moments:

The Spa: I booked a soothing lavender-infused massage—pure bliss after hiking the nearby trails. The therapist even went above and beyond by using locally sourced herbs!
Dining: The most wonderful experience was Brooks Restaurant’s local lamb stew, with folk music setting the mood. And their afternoon tea must be indulged in (a Kerry ritual).

Convenience:

15 minutes from Kerry Airport—perfect for my early morning departure back home.
Facilities That Totally Stood Out:
Leisure Center: Indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and fitness suite, all equipped with TechnoGym equipment.
Bedrooms: Luxurious plush pillowtop beds, iPod docks, balconies overlooking gardens.
Extras: Free parking, 24-hour room service, and a bowling alley (a fun surprise on a rainy day!).

Attractions Nearby:

Blennerville Windmill: 10-minute drive, historic site with magnificent coastal scenery.
Tralee Golf Club: 15-minute drive, ideal for a scenic round of golf.
Seasonal Tip: Visit in spring to see the blooming rhododendrons, or visit in autumn for cozy evenings around the fire.

2. The Ashe Hotel: Urban Chic in Tralee’s Heart

Location: Maine Street, Tralee
Rating: 4 stars | Rooms: 97

What I Loved:

Staying here meant I could walk to everything! The indoor pool was a savior after all that rainy-day wandering. Its modern design and city-central location serve both leisure and business guests.

First Impressions:

The slick glass facade and colorful contemporary art in the lobby make a bold modern statement. The team greeted me with a hearty “Céad míle fáilte”—that’s a hundred thousand welcomes—and a complimentary Irish coffee.

Best Bits:

 Location: A five-minute walk to Tralee Bay Wetlands—an unmissable stop for birdwatching.
The Pool: Heated just right, with lounge chairs perfect for relaxing by the pool.
Food: The full Irish breakfast (black pudding included) set me up for a day of adventure.

Noteworthy Facilities:

Leisure Suite: Gym, sauna, and pool with underwater speakers playing soft jazz.
Rooms: A/C, smart TVs, and Nespresso machines.
Service: Babysitting, express check-out, and a 24-hour concierge.

Gastronomic Highlights:

The Terrace: Grab cocktails overlooking the town square.
Local Partnerships: They get their seafood from Dingle Bay; try the smoked salmon!
Attractions Nearby:
Tralee Town Park (5 minutes): Perfect for morning jogs.
Aqua Dome (10 minutes): A family-oriented water park.
Pro Tip: Book the “Romance Package” for champagne and rose petals upon arrival.

3. Manor West Hotel: Shop, Swim, Repeat

Location: Manor West Retail Park
Rating: 4 stars | Rooms: 77

Why I Loved It:

This hotel is a shopper’s dream! I could hit the retail park and then chill by the pool. The warm hospitality made me feel like one of the regulars.

First Impressions:

The hotel’s exterior screams modernism, while cozy, rustic interiors reign inside. A nice touch in the room—the Kerrygold chocolates in the welcome basket!

Top Moments:

Retail Therapy: Adjacent to Manor West Retail Park—hello, duty-free shopping!
Family-Friendly: Kids loved the pool and games room.
Dinner Highlight: The salmon at Mercantile Bar & Bistro melted in my mouth.

Facilities That Stood Out:

Leisure Club: Steam room, gym, and a pool with a swim-up bar.
Rooms: Spacious family suites with kitchenettes.
Parking: Free and plentiful—a rarity in Tralee!

Nearby Attractions:

Ballyseedy Woods (5-minute drive): Ideal for forest walks.
Kingdom Greyhound Stadium (10-minute drive): You should catch a race night!
Seasonal Tip: Visit during the Tralee Races for a lively atmosphere, and you’ll likely grab a discount on hotel rates.

4. Meadowlands Hotel: Gardens & Serenity

Location: Oakpark, Tralee
Rating: 4 stars | Rooms: 58 | Opened: 1998

Why I Loved It:

Meadowlands, hidden away behind landscaped gardens, became my peaceful sanctuary. The pool area felt like a secret hideaway.

First Impressions:

Instant calm greeted me with the tree-lined driveway and koi pond in the lobby. My room had a private patio overlooking the rose garden—pure bliss.

Top Moments:

Gardens: Morning walks smelling the fragrant roses and listening to the chirping birds.
The Spa: My seaweed wrap left my skin glowing.
Local Flavor: Seafood chowder from the An Moinear Restaurant gave me a fresh taste of what Kerry had to offer.

Facilities That Stood Out:

Leisure Center: Indoor pool with full garden views from floor to ceiling.
Unique Perk: On-site bowling alley and horseback riding trails.
Accessibility: Free airport shuttle (advance booking required).
Dining Experience:
The chef’s menu “Taste of Kerry” featured dishes like Dingle Bay crab cakes and paired Kerry lamb with local craft beers.

Nearby Attractions:

Glouageentha Beach (15-minute drive): The best-kept coastal secret.
Tralee Courthouse (10 minutes walking): Take a look at local history.
Pro Tip: Join the weekly garden tour to learn all about native Irish plants.

5. The Rose Hotel: Contemporary Luxury in the Metropolis

Location: Dan Spring Road, Tralee
Rating: 4 stars | Rooms: 162

What I Liked:

The Rose Hotel showcases smooth architectural lines that evoke Irish coziness. Its central location meant I could easily visit all the places within Tralee.

Initial Impressions:

Warm glowing light suffused the glass atrium lobby; the smell of fresh pastries from the atrium cafe welcomed me. My room had a minibar stocked with regional sweets, like Irish whiskey and seaweed crisps.

Highlights:

Pool: Glass walls expose you to the town while you circle laps.
Dining: Afternoon tea (with scones and clotted cream!) at the Rose Room was heavenly.
Quality: A five-to-seven-minute walk to Tralee Town Park, perfect for a quick evening stroll.

Noteworthy Facilities:

Leisure Suite: Jacuzzi, steam room, and fitness center with yoga classes. Spacious suites with balconies and rainfall showers. Totally unplugged with free high-speed Wi-Fi and USB charging ports everywhere.
Local Partnerships: The hotel collaborates with local artisans—taste the handmade chocolates at reception!

What to Visit Nearby:

Kerry County Museum (10-minute walk): Learn more about the history of the land.
Aqua Dome (5 minutes by car): A waterpark with a tropical theme.
Seasonal Tip: A winter stay is something special with festive decorations and mulled wine next to the fire.

Comparing the Hotels: Which One’s for You?

Final Thoughts: My Tralee Travel Diary
More than just a bed for weary travelers, the hotels of Tralee with pools welcome guests to bask in the beauty and culture of County Kerry. From the lavender massages at Ballygarry to the elite afternoon tea at The Rose Hotel, each stay was a chapter in an unforgettable story.

Packing Tips:

• A swimsuit for some chill time by the pool.
• A pair of waterproof shoes for wetland walks.
• A carry bag for shopping at Manor West!

Cultural Musts:

• Local pubs with trad music.
• Sample “boxty” (Irish-style potato pancakes) from a café.