New research into the medieval origins of Tralee, has discovered that the Kerry capital was first established as a town, as early as 1216 – but only after Killorglin was established a few years earlier. The information came to light following a report on Tralee’s history, prepared for Tralee Town Council by a Cork historian. Prior to this new report, researched by Paul McCotter of University College Cork, the earliest evidence of an urban centre in Tralee was April of 1286. However this new evidence, presented to Tralee Town Council’s monthly meeting last night, shows there were court records of an incorporated borough in Tralee in 1252. Further research by Professor McCotter, shows many Anglo-Norman towns in Munster were established in the early 1200s, with Kerry towns beginning to be established from 1207 onwards. He believes that the most likely date for the founding of Tralee town was 1216, with Killorglin already established before this, and Dingle, Listowel and Ardfert being established later. Kerry County Council’s Tourism Officer John Griffin says this new information is very exciting, as it gives fresh information and a new insight into Tralee’s early years as an urban centre.
