a day in Tarbert.
Tarbert is the gateway to the Kingdom of Kerry.
Our location on the Shannon Estuary with its scenic surroundings allows for many activities to suit all interests.
Here are a few things to do in Tarbert
Georgian Era
Tarbert House
Tarbert House
Tarbert House is on the road to Tarbert Island Car Ferry and is among the most unique survivals of early 18th century domestic architecture in Ireland. Even more extraordinary in historical terms is that it remains in the continuous ownership of the Leslie family, having been built by John Leslie in the early 1700’s and it has remained the Leslie family home to this present day. Located in ancient parkland, many of Tarbert House’s original internal features and decorative forms survive and testify to the importance of this house in Ireland’s architectural heritage. The building is still preserved in its original form with furniture and pictures from the same period.
Woodland Walk
& Fairy Trail
Woodland Walk & Fairy Trail
Woodland Walk
The John F Leslie Woodland Walk skirts its way along the beautiful bay of Tarbert and goes through the Leslie family estate. This walk was developed by the Tarbert Walks Group in 1996. Amid the natural woodland of Leslie’s Wood and the scenic views of the River Shannon, you can take a leisurely walk of approximately one hour’s duration. This walk encompasses all aspects of nature – from the flora and fauna to the wide variety of birds which can be seen and heard in Tarbert Bay.
Kids Fairy Trail
If you’re looking for a Fairy Trail, look no further, as we have one right here in Tarbert. Our fairy folk have lived here for thousands of years, with their houses nestled right into the trees. Sometimes, just sometimes, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of them as they go about their life in the woods. They are very shy, but very nice, and they just love living in the woods surrounded by the flora and fauna. A good tip for Mummys and Daddys is that if you park at Tarbert Bridewell, it’s a 5 minute walk to the Fairy Trail entrance via the ‘Island Road’ footpath, and the cafe there is a nice place to grab a cup of coffee and something for the kids on your way back when you’re done visiting the small folk.
Kids Playground
& Fitness Zone
Kid's Playground & Fitzness Zone
A soft surface playground is available in Tarbert for residents and visitors alike.
The playground, which is located beside the Credit Union contains a wide range of top class equipment.
Children will be entertained for hours on end by the vast amount of swings, slides and climbing frames.
For anyone over 15 there is a variety of exercise equipment in THE FITNESS ZONE to help keep you fit, trim & healthy.
It’s soft surface was created from a substance called Wetpore, which is made of recycled old Nike runners.
This provides an extra bit of safety for the children.
There is a carpark right beside the playground so that the parents can keep a close eye on their children.
Illuminated Bronzes
Illuminated Bronzes
Quite nearby to the Bridewell are a unique set of Historical Illuminated Bronzes that represent key historical eras along this section of the lordly Shannon Estuary. They follow a loosely chronological time-frame, representative of major historical periods, reflective of the religious, political, military and commercial life of the region and well worth taking some time to look at.
Bird Watching
Bird Watching Facilities
Tarbert Bay is a great place for bird watching as it is home to many types of birds, including the recent arrival to great acclaim of the Spanish Egret. Other species to call Tarbert Bay home include:
Cormorants, Scaup, Mallards, Shovellers, Lapwing, Greenshank, Snipe, Ringed Plover, Pintale, Teal, Curlew, Grey Heron, Turnstone, Oyster Catcher, Redshank, Dunlin, Swallow, Wheater, Robin, Grey Plover, Blue Tit, Great Tit & Willow Warbler
There is a safe and secure Bird Hide with trap door viewing port, complete with seating, to enable you to take in this plethora of species in comfort.
Pierside Picnic Area
Pierside Picnic Area
Tarbert Pierside Picnic Area allows you to take in the breathtaking view of Tarbert Bay, and also appreciate both the history and the beauty of both the bay itself and the piers which have played a significant role in the development of trade on the Shannon Estuary for over 200 years, from the area known locally as “The Island”.