Set along the scenic banks of the River Feale, Listowel is one of Kerry’s most charming and culturally rich towns. A designated Heritage Town and proudly known as the Literary Capital of Ireland, Listowel combines creativity, community and comfort, making it an ideal place to live, work and thrive.
Whether you're raising a family, returning home, or seeking a more connected way of life, Listowel offers a high quality of life in a welcoming and supportive community.
Beautiful Listowel, serenaded night and day by the gentle waters of the River Feale, Listowel, where it's easier to write than not to write'- John. B. Keane
A Town Steeped in Culture and Creativity
Listowel’s reputation as a cultural centre is rooted in its literary history, having produced some of Ireland’s greatest writers – including John B. Keane and Bryan MacMahon. The town’s annual Writers’ Week Festival is Ireland’s oldest literary festival and draws authors, poets, playwrights and readers from around the world.
We have some little thing here of our own, it isn't artificial, it isn't imposed on us. It's something of our own - Bryan McMahon
Beyond literature, Listowel is home to a vibrant arts scene, including galleries, theatres, music venues and creative workshops that welcome all ages and abilities.
Everyday Life in Listowel
Living in Listowel means enjoying the ease of a well-connected town with all the essentials close by:
- A variety of primary and secondary schools serving local families
- Excellent childcare services, preschools and after-school programmes
- Access to public healthcare, pharmacies, and medical clinics
- A lively town centre with shops, cafés, restaurants and local businesses
- Weekly markets, traditional pubs, and a strong sense of local pride
The town is also home to a campus of Kerry College of Further Education and Training, offering opportunities for upskilling and lifelong learning.
Listowel is well-connected through public transport to the wider North Kerry region, making it easy to stay linked with work, education, and services.
A Community That Cares
Listowel is a place where people look out for one another. The town benefits from a wide range of community groups, sports clubs, youth organisations and volunteer networks that make it easy to get involved and feel at home.
Whether it’s through local GAA, tidy towns initiatives, walking clubs or creative collectives, the spirit of togetherness is part of everyday life here.
Listowel is proud to be both:
- An Autism Friendly Town – promoting understanding, accessibility, and inclusion through local awareness programmes and business training
- A Dementia Inclusive Town – working to ensure those living with dementia can remain active, supported members of the community
These initiatives reflect a deeper truth about Listowel: this is a town that genuinely cares.
Business, Innovation & Employment
Listowel is also a town of enterprise. It is the birthplace of Kerry Group, founded here in 1972 and now a global leader in the food and nutrition sector. The company remains a key employer in the area and a source of pride for the local community.
The town continues to support entrepreneurship and innovation, with a strong network of local businesses, remote-working hubs, and professional opportunities.
Nature on Your Doorstep
Surrounded by the green heartlands of North Kerry and just a short drive from Ballybunion’s famous beaches, Listowel offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors:
- Riverside walks and cycle paths along the Greenway
- Public parks and playgrounds for families
- Community gardens and green spaces throughout the town
- Easy access to walking trails, coastal routes and countryside escapes
It’s a town that balances the convenience of urban life with the peace and beauty of rural Kerry.
Listowel is more than just a town – it’s a community that supports, includes and uplifts. From arts and education to innovation and inclusion, it offers a unique blend of heritage and heart.
Whether you’re building a career, starting a family or enjoying retirement, Listowel welcomes you – with opportunity, creativity, and connection.
