•  Spa, County Kerry

          Click on the map for other historical maps of this place

In 1837, Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland described Spa like this:

SPA, a watering-place, in the parishes of BALLYNAHAGLISH and CLOGHERBRIEN, barony of TRUGHENACKMY, county of KERRY, and province of MUNSTER, 3 miles (W.) from Tralee: the population is returned with the respective parishes. This place, which is generally called the "Spa of Tralee," is finely situated on the northern shore of Tralee bay; and its excellent bathing strand and mineral spa, the latter of which is a strong chalybeate, together with the salubrity of its situation, and the fine views it affords of the Tralee and Dingle mountains, attract numerous visiters during the season, for whose accommodation several neat and commodious lodges have been erected. ...

---

On the strand, which at low water is nearly three miles in length, races are generally held in the course of the season; and a regatta in the bay has been lately established. Near the centre of the bay are the small rocky islets called the Samphire, to the larger of which aquatic excursions are often made; and the drive along the strand, from the Spa to the town of Tralee, affords a delightful succession of marine and mountain scenery. Off the shore, to the west of the Spa, is an excellent oyster bed, which is allowed to be dredged gratuitously by poor persons, who furnish an abundant supply during the season at the rate of 3d. per 100. Among the seats and lodges in the immediate vicinity are Frogmore Lodge, the residence of the Rev. Barry Denny; Plover Hill, of George Gun, Esq.; Oyster Hall, of Barry Collins, Esq.; and the lodges of Danl. Supple, jun., W. Neligan, R. O'Connell, and O. Stokes, Esqrs.

---

Not where you were looking for?

Click here for more detailed advice on finding places within A Vision of Ireland through Time, and maybe some references to other places called "Spa".