1.
Introduction
2.
Extent of Area
3.
History of Blennerville
4.
Character of Blennerville
1.
Land Use Character
2.
Social Character
3.
Physical Character i.
Buildings ii.
Architectural Features
5.
Detailed Policies to Address Issues
1.
Architectural Fabric
2.
New development and extensions in the ACA
3.
Views and Prospects
4.
Lighting/Wiring/Signage/Insulation
5.
Dereliction/Vacancy
Table of Works

1 Introduction
An initial analysis of Tralee’s urban fabric indicated areas that merit consideration for designation as Architectural Conservation
Areas. The Planning Authority’s analysis was guided by the principles outlined in Chapter 3 of the “Architectural Heritage Protection
Guidelines for Local Authorities” published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2004.
The following criteria have been used to assess the Blennerville Conservation Area:
Ancient street pattern or overall form
Continuity of townscape quality
Presence of protected structures
Presence of coherent groups of buildings of reasonable integrity
Existence of links to the port and the village’s connection with the port
Attractive townscape qualities including informal building groups, similar age, plot size, scale and proportions, picturesque views, importance to setting of protected structures or landmark buildings, important archaeological remains or of civic importance
Aerial View of Blennerville
Architectural Conservation Area

2 Extent of Area
Blennerville is located at the mouth of the River Lee, to the south west of Tralee Town. A large portion of the village is located within the functional area of Kerry County Council, while the main street is primarily within the functional area of Tralee Town Council.
While the ACA designation is within the functional area of Tralee Town Council, the architectural heritage of the village is addressed in its entirety in this ACA management plan.
The area of the Architectural Conservation Area is shown on the attached map. It includes Blennerville Windmill, part of Back Lane, buildings on both sides of the main street to the north of the village and the terrace of properties located to the south of the village.
The ACA comprises two main areas; the single storey terraced cottages to the south and the more historic village core located to the north of the settlement.
See attached map for ACA study area boundary.

3. Cartographical Analysis and History
Griffith’s Valuation Map of circa 1852 provides a detailed account of the property and buildings in Blennerville just after the ravages of the Irish Famine. It clearly shows the windmill (which was in ruins at this stage), Blennerville House, the national school and the Church and schoolhouse. Blennerville House and gardens appear to be the most prominent dwellinghouse in the village at this time; occupying a large tract of land in the overall context of the entire village. The church and parochial schoolhouse appear quite separate from the built-up urban area, given their location on the southern extremity of the village boundary. They appear to be a stand-alone development with no structures immediately adjacent.
The map also shows that most development took place along a linear main street with a small amount of backlands development occurring on
Windmill Street, Back Lane and to the rear of properties on the eastern side of
Main Street. Some properties are also evident on Ballard Road to the north of the
ACA study area. Blennerville Bridge is also a prominent feature on the map at this time.
Griffith’s Valuation Map circa 1852

The photograph to the left shows the seven arch bridge linking Tralee town with Blennerville which was constructed in circa 1750. This allowed for greater trade between the two areas. The bridge was widened and strengthened in the
1980s.
Warehouses are prominently evident to the left of the photograph. They are substantial buildings of rubble stone and appear to be between three and four storeys in height. The large warehouse shown to the left of the photograph is located on the northern side of what is today, Kearney’s Road. The warehouses have since disappeared. The windmill is a prominent feature in the landscape.

Excerpt from Second Edition OS Map 1902 showing the northern portion of the ACA study area.
Excerpt from 1898 Second Edition OS Map
The Second Edition 1902 map shows the northern part of the
ACA study area. Of note is the presence of the Great Southern and Western Railway which features prominently to the east of the study area. The Tralee Dingle railway line is shown to the west of the ACA and was operational between 1891 and 1953.
Blennerville Station also features on the map and was located just south of Blennerville Bridge.
Blennerville House, the Post
Office, the school and
Constabulary Barracks are also prominently shown at this time.
These buildings show that the area had diverse land uses including institutional, residential, industrial and commercial.
The quay is evident on this map to the west of the windmill. The quay was used during the nineteenth century as a departure point for many emigrants leaving
Ireland for Canada and the US.

This Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map of 1893 shows the southern portion of the
ACA study area.
St. Annagh’s Church is prominently shown on this map. The church was constructed in circa 1818 and was demolished in the 1940s.
Blennerville Cottages are also evident on this map located to the south west of the ACA study area. See images below of cottages.
Second Edition OS Map 1893 showing the northern portion of the ACA study area.
Lewis’ Topographical Dictionary describes Blennerville in 1837 as being
“situated on the bay of Tralee, and [which] consists chiefly of one street extending from a bridge over a small river which empties itself into the bay along the road to Dingle, and containing 88 houses, most of which are neatly built and roofed with slate. On the opposite side of the bay is an oyster bed, which with the fishery in the bay affords employment to a portion of the inhabitants. An extensive trade in corn is carried on with the port of Liverpool…The Tralee ship canal, now in progress, will pass under the north end of the bridge and extend to the channel at a place called the Black rock; it is supposed that this work, when completed, will nearly annihilate the trade of Blennerville, which has hitherto been the port of Tralee. A portion of the slob on the east side of the bridge has

been lately embanked by Mr. Blennerhasset, of this place. The parish church, a neat modern structure with a square tower, is situated in the town; as are also the Protestant and R. C. school-houses”.
By 1846, Slater’s Commercial Directory has the following comments to make about Blennerville: “ a small sea-port village…and, previous to the opening of the ship canal…was considered the port of that town. It has still a corn market, and, with this exception, the trade of the place is unimportant. The fishery and dredging for oysters affords employment to a portion of the inhabitants. The parish church is neat and small, with a square tower. Blennerville House, the seat of Richard Chute, Esq. is a handsome and pleasant residence – the only one of any note in the parish…Population of the parish, in 1841, about 3,000, and of the village 225”.
The above two descriptions show how the village changed following the construction of the Ship Canal and offer useful snapshots of life in the village during two periods in the nineteenth century.
This excerpt is from the Third Edition
Ordnance Survey Map of 1942. It shows the northern portion of the ACA study area. The station, windmill and
Blennerville House are still featured on the map, although the post office is no longer shown. Disused quarries are shown to the west of the village and the area to the north and east are prominently shown as being liable to flooding.
Third Edition OS Map 1942

The picture above shows a detailed image of Blennerville
Bridge with its arches. The windmill in ruins is evident.
The picture to the right shows Blennerville Bridge and
Village with the windmill restored. The beauty of the natural environment of the village’s setting is clear.
The picture above shows the remains of the
Quay from where many people emigrated.
This image above shows the line of the Tralee-Dingle Light
Railway.

4. Character of Blennerville
The character of the ACA is essentially created by its landuse, physical form and buildings, along with its distinctive social character and the interrelationships that exist between these different components. All these fundamental elements have evolved organically and have combined to create a distinctive and unique area with its own character. Blennerville is of particular significance in that its setting, architecture, layout and character are representative of its diverse history. It is a singularly important ACA in this regard within the context of Tralee.
4.1 Landuse Character
The contemporary land use character of the Blennerville ACA is closely tied to its origins as the port of Tralee during the seventeenth century. It is thought that the Blennerhassett family built the quay in the middle of the seventeenth century, at which time, Barrow
Harbour (known as the port of Fenit) fell into disuse. The trade in Blennerville was mostly agricultural with the export of wheat, oats, corn and butter featuring prominently. During the nineteenth century, a number of properties were occupied by the gentry and clergy in the area along with some merchants. The school, church, post office and constabulary barracks are specifically mentioned in
Slater’s Commercial Directory of 1846. It is evident therefore that Blennerville was a self-contained village with a mix of land uses throughout. The land use character of the ACA today is primarily a mix of residential use with smaller areas of retail, institutional and commercial throughout. The ACA still retains its educational link with the continued existence of a primary school within the village.
4.2
Social Character
The link between the social functions of the ACA and its architectural character is evident throughout the ACA study area. The social character is closely tied to its role as the main port of Tralee for a period and as a centre of trade. Many of the protected structures in the village are fine examples of late eighteenth and early nineteenth century architecture and retain the essence of their original grandeur. Many of the properties listed in Pigot’s and Slater’s directories were in occupancy by gentry and/or clergy, again showing the link between the village’s mercantile role and its social character.
4.3 Physical Character
The physical character of the ACA is primarily determined by its location on the banks of the River Lee and at the estuary of Tralee
Bay and by its role as the former main port of the area. The linear street layout with sporadic development occurring to the east and west of the street has been retained and forms a feature of modern-day development throughout the village. Development in the ACA

remains mostly clustered towards the northern portion of the village with some newer development occurring from Church Lane. The main street curves towards the south west which offers a sense of interest and surprise as one travels out of the village towards Dingle.
This alignment of the street allows for an appreciation of the building stock and in particular, the roofscape including roof material, chimney stacks and pots, rainwater goods and detailing at upper floors.
The photograph above shows the swing bridge with
Blennerville village to the rear. The swing bridge was constructed as it was not possible to fill the Canal with local springs, which had been originally mooted.
During construction of the Canal, plans were changed to increase its depth and width and to install the one pair of gates as the Canal became tidal.
The photograph above shows the main street and the impact of its alignment is evident as the vista is impeded lending to a sense of expectation and surprise as one travels south out of the village centre.
The setting of this group of protected structures can also be appreciated.

The image above is of the Canal and Basin in Tralee which was opened in 1846. Its development was resisted by merchants in Blennerville.
Following the construction, trade at Blennerville port went into serious decline until finally Blennerville village was no longer used for trade.
The image above shows the swing bridge and the bridge entering Blennerville. The windmill and warehouses feature in the photograph to the rear. The beauty of the design of the bridges is evident.
Blennerhassett tombs in what remains of
St. Annagh’s Church graveyard.
View above of Saint Brendan’s National School built in 1932.

4.3.1
Buildings
The majority of the buildings in the area date from the late seventeenth century to the mid nineteenth century. The southern portion of the village is primarily of later construction, mostly twentieth century. The northern portion of the village retains structures from the period of the village’s expansion and development associated with the port and the Blennerhassett family’s investment in the area.
The retention of the original architectural rhythm is an important feature and allows for an appreciation of the street.
One of the focal buildings in Blennerville is the windmill. The windmill was constructed in circa 1790 and is a five storey single bay freestanding structure. The building is circular in plan with tapered profile and timber sails. Having been in ruins since the late nineteenth century, it was extensively reconstructed in the 1980s to accommodate use as a heritage centre. Its location and setting is one of the more prominent and well-known views of Blennerville and environs.
The photograph above shows the windmill prior to its redevelopment.
This image shows the windmill following its reconstruction in the 1980s.

The image to the left shows the front elevation and the image to the right shows the setting of the structure within the streetscape.
Another building of particular note is a two storey slate-hung dwelling house built in approximately 1860, seen in the pictures above.
The windows are timber sliding sash single pane over single pane with stone sills. Doors have rectangular toplights and the roof has been replaced. There is a low wall bounding the front of the property. Slate-hung buildings are not common in Tralee.
The pictures below show a three-storey five bay house built in approximately 1800. It has timber sliding sash two over two windows.
A modern front door is accessed by a curved flight of steps. The raised hood mouldings and quoin stones were probably added in the late nineteenth century. The chimney stack and chimney pots remain in situ.
The image to the left shows the front elevation and that to the right shows chimney stack and chimney pot detail.

Blennerville House, shown above, is one of the most prominent dwellings in Blennerville. It is a detached eight-bay two-storey house built in the early 1700s. The picture to the middle above shows an example of early fenestration of six over six timber sliding sash windows without horns. The picture above to the right shows a carriage house of circa 1750. The dwelling retains a late nineteenth century gateway comprising limestone ashlar tapered piers with cast-iron gates and railings. The pictures below show details of the entrance-way to Blennerville House with the gates, cobblestones and railings evident.

4.3.2 Architectural Features
Many of the ACA’s structures display extensive moulded stucco decorations, moulded quoins, decorative hood mouldings at upper floor levels and projecting cornices. The front elevation of many of the buildings display a high level of detailing which is often used to highlight the building’s importance and the wealth of the original builder. A number of the buildings have retained original architectural features such as original nineteenth century windows. The predominant window type is timber sliding sash, usually with stone sills. Other features of note include wrought iron ornate railings, cast iron rainwater goods and decorative hoppers, limestone steps, and decorative chimney stacks.
The above photographs show architectural features evident throughout the ACA including original fenestration with hooded moulding over, cast iron rainwater downpipe and hopper and a pedimented pilaster doorcase.

The images above show bellcote with bell on the top of a carriage house, cast iron railings bounding the front of a property and decorative stone cap at an entrance pillar. The images below show detail of sandstone entrance pier, decorative doorcase with flanking columns and dwelling house with natural state roof and castellated rear extension.

The carrying out of works to the exterior of a structure is only exempt from planning permission if those works do not materially affect the character of the ACA. This effectively de-exempts many classes of exempted development and includes extensions, replastering, painting and replacement of windows and doors. Developers are advised to seek clarification from the Planning
Authority prior to commencement of development in the ACAs.
When assessing proposals for development or redevelopment within an ACA the Council will have particular regard to:
The impact of proposed developments on the intrinsic character of the area including streetscape and urban layout in relation to compatibility of design, materials, and intensity of site use
The impact of the proposed development on existing visual and residential amenities
Potential increases in traffic movements or intensification of uses which might undermine the qualities of the Conservation Area will be carefully considered
All developments in an ACA should be designed to complement the existing townscape and character of the ACA. Where a new building is to be inserted into a street or an existing building is to be altered, the character and integrity of the streetscape shall be maintained. This shall not be seen as just applying to new building work. Adaptation and renovation work to existing buildings shall also be of such design and craftsmanship as to enhance existing context in which it is being fitted.
5.1 Architectural Fabric
A recent analysis of trends in the Blennerville ACA shows that there are a number of main problems facing the integrity of the area.
The slow but incremental loss of buildings and architectural features in the area including replacement of original windows and doors, removal of chimneys, railings and inappropriate changes of use, dereliction or vacancy is a worrying trend. The loss of these elements serves to weaken the architectural integrity of the ACA. The continuing erosion of the ACA’s architectural fabric will obliterate its architectural character and integrity, resulting in loss of part of Tralee’s heritage.

Policy Response : The retention of original architectural features including chimneys, rainwater goods, boundary railings, carriage stops, letter boxes, door plates, windows and window sills, slates, steps, chimney pots, decorative moulding and cornicing shall be an intrinsic element underpinning all Council decisions relating to development in the ACA. Building owners and occupiers shall also be required to comply with this governing policy. The erosion of these elements (and others) is contrary to good practice and will be curtailed wherever possible in the interests of maintaining the character of the ACA.
The reinstatement of original windows, roof coverings, rainwater goods, boundary treatments etc will be required for all developments within the ACA and proposals for removal of original features shall not be permitted. The following proposals require prior approval from the Planning Authority and may, or may not, be permitted:
The use of timber sliding sash or timber casement windows (painted) to match surviving original examples
The reinstatement of natural slate (particularly on the roof plane facing the main streets)
The reinstatement of plaster finish when same has been removed to expose the stone
The use of cast-iron or cast-aluminium rainwater goods when required
The reinstatement of timber panelled doors to match existing original samples
Chimneys and chimney pots shall be restored and/or reinstated where appropriate
Removal of boundary walls including plinth walls and railings
Removal of the mews buildings and associative boundary walls
Removal of trees
5.2
New development and extensions in the ACA
Proposals for extensions or changes in plot pattern have results in amalgamation of plots and irrevocable changes to the traditional pattern of density of development in the ACA. Increases in plot sizes and the amalgamation of smaller units into single plots results in loss of original street morphology which further lessens the close ties the ACA has with its past. Proposals for inappropriate changes of use can also detract from the architectural integrity of the ACA. Such examples include development in rear gardens resulting in increased site coverage and loss of open space facilitated by the demolition of carriage houses.
Policy Response : Proposals for extensions or changes to plot pattern must respect the character of the ACA with particular reference to historic density patterns. Height, bulk, finish, scale, original plot boundaries and massing of extensions or redevelopment proposals

must respect existing buildings and plot pattern within the ACA. Proposals for changes of use shall only be permitted if they would not detract from the ACA’s historical, social or architectural integrity.
5.3
Views and Prospects
There are a number of important views and prospects throughout the study area. Some of these views are defined by landmark buildings and protected structures, whereas others are defined by streetscapes. The views create a sense of place, legibility, visual distinctiveness and serve as identity markers for its inhabitants and visitors. It is the policy of the 2009-2015 Tralee Development
Plan in Section 8.5.5 to protect the strategic views, both near and far, and the setting associated with Blennerville Windmill within the study area by inappropriate development. Section 9.6 of the 2009-2015 Tralee Development Plan also states in policy objective
WRPO9 that it is the policy objective of Tralee Town Council to protect views to and from Tralee Bay and along the Canal.
In addition, the following views and prospects in the ACA have been identified as being of particular importance:
1.
View travelling along Main Street: as one of the main access routes connecting the Blennerville with Tralee town or the
Dingle Peninsula, the vista created is of particular significance as one of the characteristic views of the ACA study area.
Furthermore, the view along the street allows for an appreciation of the chimneys and roof line of buildings on this street, particularly characteristic of the historic residential use of this part of the ACA.
2.
View towards Blennerville from The Canal and Canal Road: these views of Blennerville are of particular importance, especially within the context of Blennerville Windmill. These views are of historic as well as architectural importance.
Proposals for developments that would affect these views should ensure that the setting of the village is protected and enhanced.
Policy Response : Ensure development proposals do not adversely affect the above views and prospects. Development proposals include signage, satellite dishes, wiring, extensions, and the removal of chimneys, proposals to increase building heights or changes to the roofscape, infill developments and more substantial development proposals. Proposals for structures that break the existing skyline or are of excessive massing, scale or bulk should not be permitted.

5.4 Lighting/Wiring/Signage/Insulation
Any new public lighting or wiring should be designed and installed to complement and enhance the architectural character of the area.
External wall insulation should only be applied with a prior grant of planning permission. Its use can alter the character of the ACA and requires assessment by the Planning Authority prior to its use on a building within the ACA.
Policy response : New electrical and other wiring should be underground and redundant or unused wiring should be removed where possible. All external fixtures to buildings, e.g. alarm boxes should be installed and located to minimise their impact on the character of the building. Permission is required prior to application of external insulation on a house within the ACA. Planning permission is required for all signs (regardless of size and location) including projecting signs, erected externally within the area of the ACA.
Projecting signs on Main Street in particular will not be encouraged.
5.5 Dereliction/Vacancy
There are some properties that have become vacant and/or derelict, especially in the latter part of the twentieth century. It is clear that buildings that are vacant often fall into decline due to lack of occupancy and maintenance. Furthermore, properties often become derelict due to neglect and vandalism, when they are vacant. The presence of vacant and/or derelict properties can greatly detract from the integrity of the ACA and as such, should be actively addressed by the Council and by building owners.
Policy response : Continue to encourage owners to address vacancy and/or derelict issues through the Planning and Development Acts and Derelict Sites Act. Provide assistance, guidance and support where feasible to address these issues. Ensure that where possible, the Council actively responds to the problem of vacancy and underuse throughout the ACA study area.

Windows
Chimneys
Rainwater Goods
Repair of windows or replacement of windows with windows of same finish and design as existing
Replacement of windows with uPVC, aluminium or other similar product
Repair of chimneys
(including pots) or replacement of chimneys to the same finish and design as existing
Removal of chimney stacks or chimney pots or plastering of original brick chimney stack
Replacement of original rainwater goods with cast iron or aluminium rainwater goods
Replacement of original rainwater goods with uPVC
Permissible



Open for Consideration Not Permitted




Roof
External Doors
Repair of replacement of original natural slate with natural slate which matches the colour, size, texture and thickness of existing natural slate
Replacement of original natural slate with fibre cement or other similar material (particularly on the front of the premises)
Replacement of artificial slate roof with fibre cement or other similar material (on rear of building)
Replacement of artificial slate roof with fibre cement or other similar material (on front of building)
Reinstatement of timber panelled doors to match existing original samples
Replacement of doors with uPVC aluminium or
Permissible



Open for Consideration Not Permitted




New Development
Demolition
Proposals for extensions to rear of buildings that are sympathetic in scale, massing, finish etc.
Proposals for porch extensions
Proposals for changes of use compatible with land use zoning objective
Amalgamation of plots
Proposals to increase height or changes to the roofscape
Erection of satellite dishes to the rear of the houses
Application of external wall insulation
Demolition of buildings
Demolition of rear extensions/sheds
Permissible






Open for Consideration Not Permitted




Blennerville
Arthur Blennerhassett
Richard Hickson
Henry Stephens
Henry Benner & Sons
James Kennelly (&Co)
Bartholomew Lehane
James Chambers
Gentry/Clergy
Gentry/Clergy
Gentry/Clergy
Merchants (General)
Merchants (Corn)
Spirit Store & Public House
Undertaker
George Fosbery
Mrs. Catherine Reeves
Gentry/Clergy
Gentry/Clergy
John Williams Gentry/Clergy
Blennerhassett & McMahon Merchants (Corn)
William Day
John McCarthy
Spirit Store & Public House
Spirit Store & Public House

Blennerville
Frederick Blennerhassett
Richard Chute
Henry Stephens
Denis Ready
Ellen Daughton
William Day
Constabulary Station
Michael & John Kennelly
Gentry/Clergy Mrs. Elizabeth Chamber
Gentry/Clergy (Blennerville House) Rev. Arthur Rowan Blennerhassett
Gentry/Clergy
National School (Master)
Mrs. Margaret Williams
Richard Hickson & Son
Post Office (Post Mistress)
Public House
John King (acting constable)
Catherine McSwiney
Bartholomew Lehane
Custom House
Butter & Provision Merchants & Coal Merchant & Corn Merchant
Gentry/Clergy
Gentry/Clergy
Gentry/Clergy
Corn Merchant
Milliner & Dressmaker
Public House
Henry Kensey

Street RPS No. Building Number NIAH No Rating
Blennerville 72 Windmill, Blennerville
Extent of
Protection
Windmill
73 Building
Reason
21400301 Regional H/SO/A
T/T
21400302 Regional AT
74
75
76
77
Slate Hung Two Storey House,
Blennerville
Terraced, two storey unpainted period house, Blennerville
Guesthouse, Blennerville
Terraced, unpainted three storey period house, Blennerville
Blennerville House
Building
Building
Building
AT
21400303 Regional AT
21400306 Regional AT
78 Former Coach-house, Blennerville
House
Building and
Entrance
Building
21400304 Regional AT/H/S
O
21400305 Regional AT