Nestled in the northern half of the County of Kerry, along the beautiful coastal N69 route, known the world over for lush green countryside and peaceful meandering rivers, is located the lively market town of Listowel, situated on the banks of the River Feale. Described as the Literary Capital of Ireland, Listowel, and indeed North Kerry has produced an abundance of world famous writers, giving it a uniqueness not to be found in any other part of Ireland. This is reflected in the writings of the late Dr. John B. Keane, one of it's most famous sons :

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 has a long history dating 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 market Square, one of its many distinguishing features.

Kerry, including John B. Keane, Bryan MacMahon, Brendan Kennelly, Maurice Walsh and George Fitzmaurice. located in a 19th Century Georgian House in the Square, Listowel features an exhibition celebrating the unique literary tradition of the Region through an interactive audio visual exhibition on the writers of North Kerry - John B. Keane, Bryan MacMahon, Brendan Kennelly, Maurice Walsh & George Fitzmaurice. The exhibition also describes the history of storytelling through the 'Seanchaí' (pronounced shanakey), and how this evolved into the art of writing.

A multi-purpose Cultural Centre to the rear of the museum, incorporates a performance area, book/craft shop, restaurant, archival library and reading area. Activities throughout the year include traditional music & singing sessions, visual art exhibitions, literary workshops, lectures & readings, and children's activities. The entire Complex is wheelchair accessible.
For further information visit www.kerrywritersmuseum.com, e-mail
info@kerrywritersmuseum.com or telephone +353 68 22212.

WRITERS' WEEK - Listowel is host to Ireland's oldest literary festival. This four day festival brings together the cream of Irish & International literary talent offering workshops, readings & lectures on a vast array of topics. For the non-literary visitor Writers' Week offers a extensive programme of cultural activities including theatre, film, art exhibitions, historical tours, pub trails and children's entertainment. The festival takes place during the first weekend in June each year. For further information visit www.writersweek.ie, e-mail writersweek@eircom.net or telephone +353 68 21074.

LISTOWEL HARVEST FESTIVAL OF IRELAND - This festival takes place each September in conjunction with Listowel Race Week, one of Ireland's most popular race meetings. The Harvest festival includes busking competitions, fun races through the streets of Listowel, the selection of the Harvest Queen and the All-Ireland Wrenboy Bands Competition. Pub & street entertainment is available nightly.
For further information telephone + 353 68 23036 / 23037.

SEAN MCCARTHY WEEKEND - During the August bank holiday weekend each year, Finuge, a small village approximately 4 miles from Listowel, hosts a remarkable festival of ballad sessions & competitions, bogwalks, art exhibitions, crossroad dancing and general craic!
For further information visit www.finuge.com, e-mail info@finuge.com or telephone +353 68 40203.

Choose from a wide range of registered and approved accommodation providers, including hotels, guest houses, farmhouses, town and country homes, self-catering apartments, youth hostels, caravan and camping parks.