History of The Grand Hotel

Located on the historic grounds of The Great Castle of Tralee, once the bastion of the influential Geraldines of Munster, The Hotel pays homage to a rich legacy. Descended from Maurice Fitzgerald, a Norman arrival to Ireland, the Geraldines solidified their presence in Kerry during the early 13th century. It was John Fitzthomas Fitzgerald who laid the foundation of Tralee, erecting The Great Castle and a Dominican Friary. The Geraldine Earls of Desmonds held dominion over Munster until 1583, marked by the demise of Gerard, the 15th Earl, near Tralee after a prolonged conflict against the Elizabethan Government.

Subsequently, The Great Castle changed hands to the English Adventurer, Sir Edward Denny, and his lineage dwelled within until the early 19th century. With the demise of the fortress, Denny Street emerged, replacing the old stronghold with a grand thoroughfare. The Castle Demesne, known as The Green, remained, evolving into Tralee's esteemed Town Park.

The journey of The Grand Hotel began with three adjacent houses at 30, 31, and 32 Denny Street, formerly private residences owned by Mr. Peter F. Foley. These houses, managed by Mr. John Mills, served as a multifunctional space for private living, offices, stables, and yards. Over time, they transitioned into a Land Bank and the local Post Office, boasting the most accurate clock in Ireland, never faltering by a second.

In the 20th century, these historical residences transformed into The Grand Hotel, a cherished and popular rendezvous nestled in the heart of Tralee Town, maintaining its esteemed reputation through the years.

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