Home to some of Kerry’s richest cultural history, and with not shortage of breathtaking landscapes, North Kerry has something for everyone. Whether you prefer to spend your day pondering the history of ancient castle, or relaxing on the beach, you’ll be able to find it all in North Kerry. Here’s our list of 10 of the top sights to see and things to do in North Kerry.
Carrigfoyle Castle:
At the very tip of the county lies Carrigfoyle Castle, a 15th-century tower house which sits regally on the banks of the river Shannon. The castle was previously home to members of the O’Connor Clan. Nowadays, the battlements of the castle can be used to see stunning vistas of the surrounding areas, while also allowing you to get a sense of the lives lived by our chieftain ancestors.
Listowel Writers Museum:
Listowel is a town famous for its literary history, and the Listowel Writers Museum is a great place to get a feel for all of Listowels literary acclaim. Celebrating the listowels history from the heart of the town, the museum features tributes to local writers such as John B Kean and Bryan MacMahon.
John B Keanes Pub:
To top off your tour of Listowels Literary scene, you have to stop into John B Keane's Bar for a pint of Johns cherish Guinness. The famous pub is a is a cultural centre within the town. There’s always a chance of running into an impromptu storytelling session or traditional music.
Nuns Beach:
One of Irelands most beautiful beaches sits on the North of Kerrys Wild Atlantic coast. Nuns Beach has won multiple awards throughout the past few years. With the town of Ballybunion built around it, the golden sands and sunset views from the beach are a sight to behold.
Bromore Cliffs:
Surrounding Nuns Beach and moving on further up the North Kerry coast are the majestic Bromore Cliffs. Take a relaxing stroll along the length of the cliffs to get incredible views of the rugged coastline. If you’re an outdoors enthusiast who loves the beauty of our natural landscape, then this walk is for you!
Ballyheigue Beach:
For those who like a more active beach day, Ballyheigue Beach is a great option! This stunning stretch of sand reaches from Tralee Bay and Ardfert all the way up to the town of Ballyheigue. It’s wide exposure to the Atlantic makes this a perfect beach to catch a few waves on your surf board or even a bit of wind in your windsurfing sail!
Listowel Greenway:
A relatively new addition to North Kerry’s acclaim, the Listowel Greenway is stunning track which runs along the old railway line from Abbeyfeale to Listowel. Winding through the lush countryside, the path is perfect for lovers of the outdoors, offering you beautiful vistas on the natural landscape and touching on some of the historic sites in the area.
Lartigue Monorail:
Visiting the Lartigue Monorail is a fantastic family day out, where you get to witness and learn about a unique piece of railway history. On your visit you’ll see a recontruction of the 19th century monorail system, which unlike modern trains, runs on one railway track instead of two. The museum also offers even more in depth knowledge about its history.
Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse and Jail Museum:
Explore the fascinating history of the North Kerry legal and judicial system at the Tarbet Bridewell Courthouse and Jail Museum. The museum lies in a refurbished 19th century courthouse and jail, which gives the experience a real feel of authenticity. Exhibits showcase the justice system, local history, and the lives of those who worked and were held in the jail.
St. John’s Theatre and Arts Centre:
Occupying the former Church of Ireland church in centre of Listowel, this vibrant venue hosts a wide variety of artistic displays, stretching from plays to music to exhibitions, and everything in between. For those who wish to experience the artistic culture of North Kerry, a visit to St. John’s Theatre is a must.
