Listowel Kerry has the unique distinction of being the literary capital of Ireland.

Centrally located in County Kerry, Listowel is a short drive from the tourist centre of Killarney. The charm and beauty of the town of Listowel Irelandwill make you thankful you have chosen this gem of County Kerry for your holiday, avoiding the busier touristy areas.

Listowel Iteland has the unique distinction of being the literary capital of Ireland. It has been the home and inspiration of many famous writers. Many may be familiar with Dr. John B. Keane who immortalized the beauty of the area in poem. Long known as a farming area, Listowel is now coming to be known as one of County Kerry’s foremost cultural areas. One of the town’s best cultural attractions can be found at the Seanchai Kerry Literary and Cultural Centre. The centre was dedicated in 2001 and serves as the cultural centre for all of county Kerry. Focusing on the great writers, poets, and visual artists of County Kerry, the centre is situated in an ancient home from the 1800′s that has been redesigned and redecorated in a timely manner.

Tourists will enjoy a visit to the centre where they will come to appreciate the importance of the County Kerry literary artists. Storytellers will educate and entertain with re-tellings of popular folklore. Before stories were written in Ireland they were passed by word of mouth and the ancient art of storytelling revives that local tradition. Visitors to Listowel will also enjoy a ride on the Lartique Monorailway. An engine and three carriages travel along an elevated single rail. The monorailway was the standard method of travel for locals and visitors during the 19th century in County Kerry. It has recently re-opened for visitors to enjoy in Listowel. A ride on the monorailway will be a wonderful way to see the local area and visitors should be aware this is a once in a lifetime experience. This type of monorail exists nowhere else in the world.

Listowel Kerry is home to many festivals.

Listowel Kerry is home to many festivals. In the summer months visitors will find a festival to attend almost any weekend. The most famous is the Festival Writer’s Weekend during which writers from all over the world gather in Listowel for lectures and readings. Many writers hold book signings, which makes it fun to stop by for locals and tourists.

For evening entertainment visitors should stop by John B. Keane’s Bar. This lovely pub is home to great comedic performances, great food, and great ale. The local theatre company also presents performances here based on the writings of local authors.

One of only 26 designated Heritage Towns in Ireland, Listowel Kerry displays a myriad of wonderful architectural features, including the magnificent five arch bridge traversing the River Feale at the entrance to the Town, which dates back to 1829.

A hidden treasure in Listowel Kerry, is located in the Town Park

The Garden of Europe, Listowels hidden treasure, is located in the Town Park and contains more than 2,500 trees and shrubs from all European countries. It also contains Irelands only public monument to the memory of the millions who died in the Holocaust

The Listowel Racecourse is located adjacent to the town and is within easy walking distance of the town centre. The origing of Listowel races can be traced back to an annual gathering at Ballyeigh, Ballybunion, about nine miles from Listowel Ireland, which can be traced back to the early nineteenth century, racing was transferred to Listowel, where the first meeting took place in 1858.

Listowel Kerry Ireland Accommodation

• Self Catering Listowel
• Bed and Breakfast Listowel

In the summer months, you will find a festival to attend almost any weekend at Listowel Kerry.

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