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'Soft Opening' for Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre
Following 10 years of planning and an 18 month construction period, Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre opened its doors to visitors on Saturday, March 31st. In what is termed as a “soft” or pre-launch opening, the facility is opened up for the Easter holiday period while some minor works are still outstanding. The €4.5m project, which is jointly funded by Tralee Town Council and Fáilte Ireland, features both activity and nature zones and is designed to educate and entertain. The activity area is free to access and has a light water sports lake, ‘learn to fish’ lake, walks and cycleway. The nature zone focuses on the adjoining internationally famous Tralee Bay Nature Reserve and features such novel elements as a safari boat ride, pond dipping, static and interactive displays, guided tours and a 20 metre high viewing tower which offers spectacular views of Tralee Bay. The eco-friendly Visitor Centre, which overlooks the lake, also acts as an orientation centre for the natural heritage of north and west Kerry and has a full service Café in spectacular surroundings.
The centre, which will be officially opened in May, is due to attract up to 70,000 and will help to re-position Tralee in the growing activity and nature tourism market.