Listowel & North Kerry
The North Kerry region is full of ancient sites, churches and field monuments, a region full of culture and heritage. One of the largest towns in the North Kerry region is the literary town of Listowel. Other towns and villages in the region are Abbeydorney, Ballyheigue, Ballybunion, Causeway and Tarbert. North Kerry is a hidden gem in the crown of the Kingdom, the region offers golden beaches, renowned links golf courses, literary festivals and historical churches.
Long, sandy, Blue Flag beaches that draw families to Ballybunionyear after year. They are safe for walking, swimming, and surfing, and there are caves and a medieval castle ruin to explore!
Listowel is where stories begin and everyone has a story to share! A town famous for its authors and storytellers it is no surprise that this town has its own week long writer’s week, ListowelWriters Week that takes place at the end of May each year. The festival is Ireland’s oldest literary and arts festival. During the weeklong festival there are literary events for children and young adults.
Listowel is also very proud of their historical buildings including Listowel Castle, the Castle is thought to have been built in the 15th Century and overlooks the Feale River. Listowel is home to the Kerry Writers Museum where visitors can enjoy a unique audio-visual experience of North Kerry’s famous writers. St. John’s Theatre and Art Centre is located in the heart of Listowel town and has an event calendar to check out. Staying with historical activities a trip to the Lartigue Monorail for any rail enthusiast is a must!The Lartigue Monorail system operated from Listowel to Ballybunion. The Monorail was invented by French man Charles Lartique and it was the first of its kind in the world and indeed the Lartigue Line is the only one of its kind in the world! The monorail operated by passengers and freight equally distributed on either side and it operated from 1888 until 1924.
Content Blocks
Breathtaking Ballybunion, a coastal town that leaves the visitor spoiled for choice for outdoor activities! The golden beaches of Ballybunion are blue flag beaches and are ideal for walking, swimming, surfing and other water sports. There is a beach to the North and South, however if you are standing at Ballybunion Castle to the left is known as the ‘Men’s Beach’ and the right is known as ‘Ladies Beach’. There was a time that women and children were only allowed on Ladies Beach. On Ladies Beach now there is a seaweed bath, small cafe and ice cream shop.
There is also a Cliff Walk, approx 20 minute walk along the coastal cliffs. On the route you will sea stacks, wildlife and a small no access beach know as Nun’s Beach that is overlooked by an old convent. Ballybunion has two link golf courses with views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. These world class golf courses are the ‘Old Course’ and the ‘Trent Jones Cashen Course’.The playground in Ballybunion is located a short distance from the beach and parking is available nearby.
