Plans to develop walks and nature trail at historic Kerry glen

A SUBMISSION to develop a wooded, scenic, amenity outside Tralee has been made to Environment Minister John Gormley.

The application for €200,000 would be used to provide walks and signage in the historic Foley’s Glen, most of which is owned by Kerry County Council and Tralee Town Council.

One of its landmarks is a long boulder known as Scotia’s grave, a reminder of the legendary queen said to have led the Milesians into battle against the Tuatha Dé Dannan.

Independent Cllr Tommy Foley, chairman of the Foley’s Glen Development Committee, yesterday said the glen offered an escape from the hurly-burly of town life and had been used by generations of people in Tralee.

The development committee met Mr Gormley in Tralee recently and made a detailed submission.

“He seemed to be very impressed with the submission and the study we’ve carried out and promised to give it serious consideration,” Mr Foley added.

The area of land owned by the councils, combined with a commonage in the glen, comes to 121 acres, while just over 13 acres are privately owned.

Mr Foley said there had been continuous public access and use of the glen for many years and there had rarely been any significant conflict between landowners and users.

“The relationship with the commonage owners has been excellent. They recognise the traditional walks and welcome anyone who will come to enjoy and respect the area,” he said.

The study carried out on behalf of the committee on the area’s tourism and economic potential, described Foley’s Glen as a unique amenity just 4km from Tralee town centre.

Also known as Scotia’s Glen, the glen is about 4km in length and is located in the eastern foothills of Slieve Mish mountain.

Plans for the glen include four circular walks, with a number of variations, as well as a nature trail aimed primarily at children and facilities for the disabled.