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TIME travel is on the horizon in Tralee in June as it voyages back through the centuries to the medieval era. An action-packed programme of free entertainment for all the family has been launched this week for the forthcoming Tralee 800 Weekend which is being held to mark the 800th anniversary of the founding of Tralee.

Medieval re-enactments, pageants, a history village, a ‘Battle for Tralee’ and ‘Ye Olde Banquet’ all form part of a programme of dozens of free events which run from Friday, June 17, to Sunday, June 19.

Tralee was founded by John FitzThomas Fitzgerald in 1216 and the Tralee 800 Weekend will be the highlight of a year-long celebration of the anniversary. Kerry County Council has been working with local groups to arrange a large number of free and public events aimed at highlighting the town’s history and heritage and the weekend will feature music, re-enactments, exhibitions, walks and presentations.

The Tralee 800 Programme incorporates the annual Féile na mBláth Garden Festival and the Heroes’ Week Gathering of Emergency Services which is part of the Kerry 1916 Centenary Programme. Local emergency services will be joined by visiting services from other parts of Ireland, London and Massachusetts, USA. The highlight will be the Heroes’ Parade with Massed Bands marching from The Square to Denny Street and Town Park at 3.30pm on Sunday, June 19.

As part of Tralee 800, Rock band, Delorentos will perform on the stage in The Square on Friday 17th June, there will be a 35-strong re-enactments by Déise Medieval on Saturday 18th and a Food and Craft Village on the Park Plaza all weekend. Copies of the programme are now available from local outlets, from Kerry County Council and from the Tralee Chamber Alliance and online at www.tralee.ie.

The cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council and Chairman of Tralee 800, Cllr Pat McCarthy, said: “Tralee has a long and proud history from the very foundation of the town in the 13th century to the present day. We are looking forward to sharing and celebrating the town’s history and traditions with locals and visitors alike during this exciting weekend.

“We are inviting people of all ages to engage with the history of the town through a series of exciting and interactive events where young and old can learn more about what life was like in our county town 800 years ago. The vast majority of the events are free and suitable for all ages. And when incorporated with Féile na mBláth and Heroes’ Week, it promises to be a fantastic occasion,” he said.

Tralee 800 is supported by Kerry County Council, Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kerry Group, Fáilte Ireland, Tralee Credit Union, Lee Strand and the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society.
 

 
Above, members of Déise Medieval who will perform at Tralee 800.