Listowel, from the Irish meaning “Tuathal’s ringfort”, is a Heritage town in North Kerry, and is situated on the River Feale.
The town was home to two of Ireland’s most famous literary sons, John B. Keane and Bryan MacMahon.
Listowel Castle, built in the 15th century, was the last bastion against Queen Elizabeth I during the Desmond Rebellion. It fell after a 28-day siege on 5 November 1600.
The impressive five arch bridge over the River Feale at the entrance to the Town dates back to 1829.
Listowel was also the site of the world’s first monorail operation between Listowel and Ballybunion. The Lartigue Railway as it was known, ran from 1888 to 1924.
In 2003, a 1000-metre long replica of the original monorail line was opened.
The hugely popular week-long Listowel Horse Racing Festival takes place in September each year.
Listowel is also home to Ireland’s oldest literary festival, Listowel Writers’ Week, which has only grown in strength since its inception in 1970.
Global food ingredient leader Kerry Group has a large manufacturing plant on the outskirts of the town.
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