Listowel Travel Guide

Explore the rich culture and stunning natural beauty of Listowel, Ireland. Discover the must-visit places, best things to do, and local customs with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Listowel

Listowel is a charming town located in County Kerry, on the southwest coast of Ireland. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality. The town is situated on the banks of River Feale, and it is surrounded by lush green hills, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Listowel is also famous for being the birthplace of many renowned poets and writers, such as John B Keane, Maurice Walsh, and Bryan MacMahon.

List of Places to Visit in Listowel

Listowel has a plethora of attractions to offer to its visitors. From museums and historical places to natural wonders and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in this charming town. Here is a list of must-visit places in Listowel.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Listowel is home to many museums and historical places that are worth visiting. These attractions offer a glimpse into the town’s rich cultural heritage and history, and they are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

  • Museum of the Written Word: This museum is dedicated to the art of writing and storytelling, and it showcases the works of many famous Irish writers, including John B Keane and Bryan MacMahon.

  • Listowel Castle: This 15th-century castle was once home to the Earls of Listowel, and it is now a popular tourist attraction. The castle offers a stunning view of the town and its surroundings.

  • Seanchaí - Kerry Literary and Cultural Centre: This center is dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish literature and culture. It hosts many events throughout the year, including talks, workshops, and exhibitions.

Natural Attractions of Listowel: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Listowel is blessed with natural beauty, and it has many outdoor adventures and scenic spots to offer to its visitors. From hiking and biking trails to stunning vistas and wildlife, there is no shortage of natural wonders in this town.

  • Ballybunion Beach: This beautiful beach is located just a short drive away from Listowel, and it is a popular spot for swimming, surfing and sunbathing.

  • Glanageenty Walks: Glanageenty Walks is a network of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It also has a rich history, with many ancient ruins and monuments along the way.

  • River Feale: The River Feale is a world-renowned fishing spot, and it is home to many different species of fish, including salmon and trout. It is also a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Listowel

Listowel has numerous hiking and biking routes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. These routes are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to explore the town’s natural beauty.

  • Ballybunion to Listowel Greenway: This route stretches for 9 km, and it offers stunning views of the countryside and the coastline.

  • Listowel to Abbeyfeale Cycle Route: This route follows the River Feale and offers scenic views of the landscape. It is suitable for cyclists of all levels.

Best Things to Do in Listowel: Activities and Tours

Listowel has many activities and tours to offer to its visitors. From cultural tours to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in this town.

  • Listowel Races: Listowel Races is an annual event that attracts thousands of visitors to the town. It is a four-day festival that features horse racing, live music, and entertainment.

  • Listowel Food Fair: The Listowel Food Fair is an annual event that showcases the best of Irish cuisine. It is a four-day festival that features cooking demos, tasting sessions, and farmer’s markets.

  • Heritage Trail Tour: The Heritage Trail Tour is a guided tour that takes visitors on a journey through the town’s rich history. It covers many historical sites and landmarks, including Listowel Castle and St John’s Theatre.

Week-Long Itinerary for Listowel

Listowel has a lot to offer, and if you have a whole week to spare, you can explore many of its attractions. Here is an itinerary for a week-long trip to Listowel.

Day Activities
1 Visit Listowel Castle and the Museum of the Written Word
2 Take a Heritage Trail Tour and visit the Seanchaí Literary and Cultural Centre
3 Hike the Glanageenty Walks and explore the River Feale
4 Cycle the Listowel to Abbeyfeale Cycle Route and visit Ballybunion Beach
5 Visit the nearby town of Tralee and take a tour of the National Folk Theatre of Ireland
6 Attend the Listowel Races and enjoy live music and entertainment
7 Take part in the Listowel Food Fair and enjoy the best of Irish cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Listowel

Listowel has a vibrant food and drink scene, and it offers a variety of local dishes and beverages that are worth trying.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Irish Stew: This hearty stew is made with lamb or beef, potatoes, and carrots, and it is a staple of Irish cuisine.

  • Boxty: Boxty is a traditional potato pancake that is often served with bacon and eggs for breakfast.

  • Seafood Chowder: Listowel is located close to the sea, and it has some of the freshest seafood in Ireland. Seafood chowder is a must-try dish when in Listowel.

Local Beverages

  • Irish Whiskey: Ireland is famous for its whiskey, and Listowel has many distilleries where you can taste the local flavors.

  • Guinness: Guinness is a popular Irish beer, and it is a must-try when in Listowel.

  • Irish Coffee: Irish Coffee is made with Irish whiskey, sugar, cream, and coffee, and it is a popular after-dinner drink in Ireland.

Where to Stay in Listowel: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Listowel has many accommodations to choose from, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some popular options.

  • Listowel Arms Hotel: This hotel is located in the heart of Listowel, and it offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.

  • John R’s Bed and Breakfast: This guesthouse is located in a quiet neighborhood, and it offers cozy rooms and homemade breakfast.

  • Listowel Hostel: This hostel is located just a short walk away from the town center, and it offers affordable and clean accommodations.

What to Buy in Listowel: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Listowel has many local products that are worth bringing home as souvenirs. Here are some popular options.

  • Listowel Pottery: Listowel Pottery is a local pottery studio that creates beautiful and unique pieces.

  • Kerry Woollen Mills: Kerry Woollen Mills is a local textile factory that produces high-quality woolen products, including blankets and scarves.

  • Ballybunion Sea Salt: Ballybunion Sea Salt is a local company that produces artisanal sea salt from the sea water near Listowel.

Local Culture and Customs of Listowel

Listowel has a warm and welcoming community, and it has many customs and traditions that are unique to the town. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Listowel.

  • Greet with “Dia dhuit”: In Listowel, it is customary to greet people with “Dia dhuit,” which means “God be with you.” The response is “Dia is Muire dhuit,” which means “God and Mary be with you.”

  • Respect the local culture: Listowel has a strong local culture, and it is important to respect the customs and traditions of the town.

  • Be friendly and polite: Listowel is known for its friendly and welcoming community, and it is important to reciprocate that friendliness by being polite and respectful.

Best Time to Visit Listowel

The best time to visit Listowel is between May and September, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The town comes alive during the summer months, with many festivals and events taking place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Listowel

Do:

  • Do take the time to explore the town’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.

  • Do try the local dishes and beverages, such as Irish stew and Guinness.

  • Do respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.

  • Don’t be rude or disrespectful to the locals.

  • Don’t underestimate the importance of proper attire, especially when visiting religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Listowel

Listowel is a relatively safe town, and it has a low crime rate. However, it is important to take the usual precautions when traveling, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Listowel

Ireland has a high-quality healthcare system, and Listowel has many healthcare facilities and hospitals that offer excellent care. It is important to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical expenses.

Getting to Listowel: Transportation Options and Logistics

Listowel is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including flights, buses, and trains.

Airports Near Listowel

  • Kerry Airport: Kerry Airport is located about 40 km from Listowel, and it offers flights to many destinations in Ireland and Europe.

Bus Stations Near Listowel

  • Listowel Bus Station: Listowel Bus Station is located in the town center, and it offers regular bus services to many destinations in Ireland.

Other Options

  • Train: The nearest train station is Tralee, which is located about 20 km from Listowel. There are regular train services to Tralee from Dublin and other major cities in Ireland.

How to Get Around in Listowel

Listowel is a small town, and it is easy to get around on foot or by bike. There are also taxi services available, and many attractions are easily accessible by public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Listowel: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Listowel is located in a beautiful part of Ireland, and there are many nearby destinations and excursions that are worth exploring.

  • Dingle Peninsula: The Dingle Peninsula is located about an hour’s drive from Listowel, and it is famous for its stunning coastal scenery and ancient ruins.

  • Killarney: Killarney is located about 40 km from Listowel, and it is known for its beautiful national park and charming town center.

  • Cliffs of Moher: The Cliffs of Moher are located about two hours’ drive from Listowel, and they are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland.

Conclusion

Listowel is a charming town that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s museums and historical places, hiking and biking its trails, or savoring its cuisine and beverages, Listowel is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Lartigue Monorail ran to Ballybunion Lartigue Monorail ran to Ballybunion Listowel Castle Listowel Castle Bromore Cliffs Bromore Cliffs