Ballygarry Estate Hotel is excited to announce a new 5km trail connecting its grounds to Ballyseedy Woods via two new bridges funded by Kerry County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development as part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. This landmark infrastructure project marks a significant milestone in the development of Tralee's wood walks and trails for tourists and locals alike.

This now offers a seamless connection between Ballygarry Estate walks and Ballyseedy Woods, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. The 5km looped trail allows visitors to explore the beautiful woods while also taking in the stunning backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains. This milestone achievement is the result of careful planning and collaboration between Kerry County Council and Management at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa.

"This has been a wonderful collaboration between Kerry County Council & Ballygarry Estate. We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition & to have this new amenity for the North Kerry area, for guests & locals alike to enjoy. Of all projects we have done this has been the most satisfying. It will never return the investment but Ballygarry is coming up on 70 years, I felt we owed this to the community that supports us.” said Padraig McGillicuddy, Managing Director at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa.

The work was from the joint efforts of Kerry County Council, Tadhg McGillicuddy Engineering, MRG Engineering, and Mike Cronin & Sons Plant Hire over the past three years to deliver this combined 180-acre Woodland and Estate. Access points to the trails are from Ballygarry Estate or the existing two Ballyseedy carparks north & south.

Talking to Padraig he explained that enhancing the trail amenity does not stop there. “It has been a part of our Greenway vision for years but it’s great to see the opening in sight. We will continue our vision in the hope of connecting the Estate to the Tralee Greenway in the next year or so. Local funding through Kerry County Council along with €1.5m from Ballygarry has made this all possible.” he said.

The opening of these new bridges is a significant milestone in the development of Tralee's outdoor walks and trails, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Co. Kerry.