Welcome to Lovely Listowel – A Heritage Town with a Heart

Nestled in the heart of North Kerry, Listowel is a charming heritage town that blends rich heritage, vibrant culture and friendly hospitality where Listowel Community Centre is based in Childers’ Park and Woodlands – a wonderful outdoor space where locals and visitors can meet to enjoy  amenities like the Children’s Park and Playground, Listowel Tennis Club, Garden of Europe, Pitch & Putt Club and the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways.  Located alongside the River Feale, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic river walk and join the Listowel Kayak Club.

Known as the Literary Capital of Ireland, Listowel is a place where tradition and creativity meet – where visitors are warmly welcomed year-round. Listowel has a deep cultural and literary heritage and is famously home to beloved writers like John B. Keane, Bryan MacMahon, Brendan Kennelly and Maurice Walsh. Our town hosts the renowned Listowel Writers’ Week, Ireland’s oldest literary festival each June Bank Holiday, drawing readers, poets and authors from around the world.

Listowel Races is firmly placed on the racing calendar with two race meetings in June and September – a favourite annual end-of-summer gathering is enjoyed by many in September, alongside the River Feale – where punters, locals and visitors share stories, connect once again and celebrate in the vibrant atmosphere where some might even win a euro or two.

For food lovers, Listowel Food Fair takes place in November, promoting healthy eating and local artisan produce while hosting cooking demonstrations, the Gala Award dinner and more. The Food Fair serves as a platform to showcase our cultural heritage and artisan food producers.

Listowel hosted many Fleadh Cheoil Festivals and welcomed thousands of traditional music lovers in the past where creative professionals shared their love of Irish music. Tents were pitched in the Town Park and impromptu sessions permeated the air with traditional tunes and songs. The town’s creative energy continues with Revival Music Festival which has hosted singers including Bob Geldof, Stocktons Wing, The Stunning, Bell X1 and more, and regular theatre productions, live music and art exhibitions at St John’s Theatre – diverse cultural events that keep Listowel’s spirit alive throughout the year.

Stroll through Listowel Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland – built by the Fitzmaurices in the 15^th century, or take a walk along the River Feale which winds through the town and offers peaceful riverside views.

The Lartigue Monorail & Museum is a must-see attraction that celebrates one of the world’s most unique railways, once connecting Listowel to Ballybunion – operating the world’s first commercial passenger railway over ten miles.

Visit Kerry Writer’s Museum to soak up the cultural heritage where works of great Kerry writers are on display. Visual-audio experiences will bring you on a journey to the past to hear about writers like Bryan MacMahon, John B Keane, Brendan Kennelly, Maurice Walsh and more. Join the Rambling House for an evening of music, stories, dancing and craic.

From cosy cafés and traditional pubs to award-winning restaurants, Listowel is a hub of authentic Irish hospitality. Whether you are after fresh local fare, a perfect pint or a warm scone by the fire, you’ll find it here – always served with a smile.

Explore local shops, craft stores and the weekly Friday Market where you will find everything from local produce to artisan goods. Listowel’s colourful streets are full of charm – lined with independent boutiques, bookshops, galleries and friendly shops, perfect for leisurely strolls, people-watching, a relaxed day of browsing and soaking the town’s welcoming atmosphere.

As you wander, you’ll likely meet local craft makers, shopkeepers, writers, artists and the locals – each with their own story and a genuine pride in their town. It’s shopping the old-fashioned way: personal, relaxed and full of character.

Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby Greenway cycling and walking trails, just minutes from town. The beautiful Ballybunion Beaches are a short drive away, offering golden sands, surfing, historic sites including Ballybunion Castle and the Nine Daughter’s Hole, all while soaking up the unforgettable Atlantic views and colourful sunsets.

Join in on the fun with a game of Pitch and Putt or tennis. Watch a football or soccer match at one of Listowel Emmet’s or Listowel Celtic’s games. Participate in a water sport activity and enjoy a bit of kayaking down the River Feale. or watch a badminton tournament hosted by Listowel Badminton Club at Listowel Community Centre.

Listowel is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, offering a gateway to some of Ireland’s most breathtaking coastal scenery and cultural treasures. From here, you can set out on scenic drives that wind through rolling countryside, along dramatic cliffs and past golden beaches that stretch for miles.

Discover ancient ring forts, centuries-old churches and hidden heritage sites that speak to Ireland’s rich and layered past. Within a short drive, you can visit Ballybunion with its famous seaside charm and clifftop walks, Tralee for museums and theatre or venture further to Dingle Peninsula for jaw-dropping views and traditional music sessions. While en-route, visit Killarney to tour Muckross House and Gardens, Torc Mountain and Waterfall and the Lakes of Killarney in the stunning National Park.

Along the way, you will find welcoming towns and villages, each with their own unique character, stories and warm hospitality. Whether you are chasing sunsets along the coast or diving into local culture and history, Listowel offers a peaceful and well-connected base to begin your Wild Atlantic adventure.

Whether you’re here for just a day or planning a longer stay, Listowel welcomes you with open arms. With its unique blend of heritage, culture and community spirit, there is something here for every kind of visitor – from peaceful riverside walks to lively festivals, creative workshops and cosy cafés.

Take your time to explore the town’s hidden gems, chat with friendly locals and immerse yourself in the rhythm of life in North Kerry.

We are proud to call Listowel home – and we truly believe you’ll fall in love with it too.
Call into us at Listowel Community Centre when you visit – whether you’d like a chat, a gym workout or to join in on a local event, you’ll be most welcome.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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