Co. Kerry

The prevailing interest in the fairly prosperous port of Tralee during this period was that of the most substantial landowner in the area, Sir Edward Denny, 3rd Bt.: his family’s influence was so strong that Peel once compared it with Lord Caledon’s in Old Sarum.Add. 40280 f. 48. Denny made a point of being present during at least one election, but he did not himself take a leading part in the choice of those who were elected. This was entrusted to his father-in-law, Judge Robert Day, who took upon himself the role of adviser on matters of state to a number of Kerry dignitaries.

The borough of Tralee, which extended into the neighbouring parish of Ratass, was a busy though backward market town and seaport, whose fortunes were limited by its shallow harbour. Oldfield, Rep. Hist. (1816), vi.