Listowel Castle

County Kerry


Standing between the town square and the river, this 12th-century castle was once the stronghold of the Fitzmaurices, the Anglo-Norman lords of Kerry. It was the last castle in Ireland to succumb to the Elizabethan attacks during the Desmond revolt. What remains of the castle has been thoroughly restored. Admission is by guided tour only.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby County Kerry attractions

1. Kerry Writers' Museum

0.02 MILES

The Writers' Exhibition in this Georgian building celebrates Listowel's heritage of literary observers of Irish life. Rooms are devoted to local greats…

2. Lartigue Monorailway

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Designed by Frenchman Charles Lartigue, this unique survivor of Victorian railway engineering once ran between Listowel and Ballybunion along the coast…

3. Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse & Jail

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If you're catching the ferry between Tarbert and County Clare, take time to visit the renovated Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse, which has exhibits …

4. Scattery Island

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5. Vandeleur Walled Garden

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Within a 170-hectare forest 800m south of the centre, this stunning 'lost' garden was the private domain of the wealthy Vandeleur family – merchants and…

6. Shannon Dolphin Centre

13.23 MILES

The 170-plus bottlenose dolphins swimming out in the Shannon are monitored by this dedicated research facility. In addition to learning about its latest…

7. St Senan's Church

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St Senan’s Catholic church has a lovely rose window as well as four stained-glass windows by well-known early-20th-century artist Harry Clarke.

8. Crag Cave

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This cave was discovered in 1983, when problems with water pollution led to a search for the source of the local river. In 1989, 300m of the 4km-long cave…