Listowel and North Kerry

From its rolling green countryside, sandy beaches, Ballybunion’s spectacular links golf course, relaxing rural walks, to engaging historical monuments and a life on stage that combines songs and tales of Ireland’s rural past, North Kerry is the hidden treasure of the beautiful South West. Genius in literature, poetry, music, art and theatre, it is no wonder that its towns and villages are home to a dazzling array of visitor attractions, festivals and vibrant performances.

North Kerry has reserved also a warm place in its heart for children and boasts some of the most engaging, entertaining events and attractions in Ireland – from annual events such as street carnivals like the Tír na nÓg Festival and the Rose of Tralee to the beach for festivals filled with fun and games at the Ballyheigue Beach Races and a family fun charter specialising in catering for the young at heart.

Rain or sunshine outside, the younger visitor has a broad variety of all weather attractions they can enjoy, like exploring the underground in Crag Cave, riding in the indoor rapids at the Aqua Dome, experiencing times past at the Kerry County Museum and discovering a unique form of travel aboard the Lartigue Monorail.

Rattoo Round Tower, Ballyduff

Due to the strong agricultural background, North Kerry has had a long standing tradition of being a supplier of foods to neighbouring counties, and in more modern times the world at large, and is the home of the Kerry Group and Denny’s Meats. The Listowel Food Fair celebrates the gourmet range of food available in Kerry via a weekend long packed schedule of seminars, workshops and delectable recipes.

Turning to literature, North Kerry is the birthplace of some of the most famous of Irish writer’s such as John B. Keane, Brendan Kennelly, Bryan Mac Mahon, Maurice Walsh and George Fitzmaurice. Locals and literary fans young and old acknowledge and celebrate this at literary workshops held throughout the year at Seanchaí, Kerry Literary Centre, Listowel and at the Listowel Writer’s Week held each June.

Listowel Writers’ Week

Of Listowel, John B. Keane wrote:

“Beautiful Listowel, serenaded night and day by the gentle waters of the River Feale.
Listowel where it is easier to write than not to write,
Where first love never dies, and the tall streets hide the loveliness,
The heartbreak and the moods, great and small,
Of all the gentle souls of a great and good community.
Sweet, incomparable hometown that shaped and made me.”

Listowel’s long history dates back to 1303 where it first appears in the Plea Roll. The town developed around Listowel Castle, fortress to the Fitzmaurice family, and its significant Square.

Music and theatre lovers are also spoiled for choice. Relax at an evening at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee, the proud base of Ireland’s National Folk Theatre or attend one of the varied musical and theatrical performances of local, national and international distinction, staged at smaller venues like the Abbeydorney Drama Society theatre and St. John’s Theatre in Listowel, to the new, world-class Tinteán Theatre in Ballybunion. Or sing along and dance first hand at some of the local festivals, in traditional musical Mecca’s like the Dan Paddy Andy Festival in Lyracrumpane, Seán McCarthy Festival in Finuge or the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival in Castleisland. Join in a local sing song with traditional performers, rambling house style or visit Teach Siamsa in Finuge.

Uncover North Kerry and feel at home amongst the people, as every visitor has a special role to play – all you have to do is cheer, laugh, whistle and tap your shoe in keeping with the tune to the heart of rural Ireland’s beat!

Enquire Now

This is jut a sample of what Listowel & North Kerry have to offer. All of our tours are tailored specifically to cater for your specific needs and expectations.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements further.