Listowel
.................................................................................................................................................

Located in the northern half of County Kerry on the banks of the River Feale, Listowel’s
long history dates back to 1303 where it first appears in the Plea Roll. Fortress to the
Fitzmaurice family, the town developed around Listowel Castle and its magnificent
Square. Described as ‘the Literary Capital of Ireland’ Listowel and North Kerry has
produced some of Ireland’s most distinguished writers including John B. Keane, Bryan
MacMahon and Brendan Kennelly. These great literary figures are celebrated in a
unique audio visual experience at the Seanchaí – Kerry Literary and Cultural Centre.
Listowel also has a rich architectural heritage and one of its many distinguishing
features are the unique shop front designs which can be seen throughout the town. A
hive of activity all year round, Listowel offers a variety of amenities including theatre,
cinema, traditional music sessions, literary weekends, walking and heritage trails,
golfing, pitch and putt, fishing, the unique ‘Garden of Europe’, and pub theatre in John
B. Keane’s world famous hostelry. Other attractions include the unique Lartigue
Monorailway and Listowel Castle. Listowel’s calendar includes annual Writers’ Week
Literary Festival in June and Listowel Horse Racing and Harvest Festival in Septe

CATEGORY: Market Town

HERITAGE CENTRE: Seanchaí-Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre
ADDRESS: 24 The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry
TEL: 068-22212
FAX: 068-22170
EMAIL: info@kerrywritersmuseum.com
WEBSITE: www.kerrywritersmuseum.com

LOCATION: 17 miles from Tralee and 15 miles from Kerry International Airport

SEASON: All Year

OPENING TIMES:
Jun-Sept: Daily: 10.00-17.00 (last tour 16.00)
Oct-May: Mon-Fri: 10.00-16.00 (last tour 15.00)
Open other times by appointment.

CONTACT: Cara Trant

EDUCATION PACK: Detailed packs available for students

ENTRANCE FEES: Adult: €5.00 / OAP/Student: €4.00 Child: €3.00 / Family: €12.00

TOWN AMENITIES

ANGLING: Fresh-water fishing on the River Feale

BEACH: 11 miles from coastal resort of Ballybunion

BIRD WATCHING: Located in a rich agricultural region, this is an ideal base for viewing many of Ireland’s indigenous birds

CYCLING: Cycling is available in the vicinity

GARDENS: “The Garden of Europe” features shrubs and plants from over 15 European nations

GOLF: Listowel has a 9 hole golf course and the world-famous Ballybunion Golf Club is just
11 miles away

GUIDED TOURS: Duration: 11/2 hours, Max No: 10-15, Languages: English

HORSE RIDING: Available locally

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING: No

OTHER ATTRACTIONS: The Lartigue Monorailway, a replica passenger railway, opened in 2003. Listowel
Castle is located in the Square and guided tours are available

WALKING: The Sive Walk: 11km walk through bogland.
The River Walk: 3 km walk along the Feale

SWIMMING: Ballyloughran Leisure Centre is located 6 miles from Listowel with a 19m pool and
outdoor activities.