Wildlife and Conservation
Tralee Golf Club is positioned in a truly unique setting. The varied topography of tall rugged sand hills and rocky outcrops all contribute to the windswept storm-ravaged landscape into which the course has been fitted. Situated along the Kerry coastline, every hole offers a different and stunning view of the ocean, creating unparalleled golfing terrain. The cliffs and the castle ruins provide ideal nesting habitat for chough – this rare bird is found in just a few locations along the Irish coastline.
The fixed dune grassland vegetation framing each hole is equally impressive. Wild orchids, red bartsia and Burnet rose provide colour and conservation interest. Ground-nesting birds such as skylark and meadow pipit abound and during the early morning and later in the evening shoreline birds such as oystercatcher, lapwing and curlew will come to feed or roost. The club is taking on an increasingly responsible attitude to maintaining wildlife interests alongside those of golf, ensuring long-term sustainability within this ever-changing climate.
Bob Taylor, STRI Head of Ecology & Environment