Listowel is a bustling market - town with a population of 4,000. It is situated on the north bank of the River Feale, which is crossed by a fine, five arched bridge. It is only a short drive to the famous Ballybunion Golf Course.
According to tradition, the River Feale gets it's name from a beautiful princess named Fial, who drowned while bathing in the river. Listowel probably got it's name from an earthen fort in the immediate vicinity of the town which is called "Lios Tuathail" the fort of Tuathail. The town itself grew up around Listowel Castle which was built in the 15th century, little of Listowel castle remains apart from the Ivy-clad towers and central square.
It is dominated by two early 19th century Gothic style churches: the catholic St Mary's facing the Protestant St John's. Listowel is also the home of Maurice Walsh(1879-1964), author of "The Quiet Man", which became an Oscar winning film.
The town was once the terminus of the world's first mono-rail, The Lartigue Railway, devised by a Spanish engineer of that name, which ran between Listowel and Ballybunion from 1888 - 1924. Engines, carriages and wagons were divided into two sections, hanging on either side of the centre rail. This mono-rail system inspired the ballad:
"The Song of Lartigue"
The old train held together with rope, And the tackling they say won't endure, sir,
Sure they balance the people with soap,
and sometimes with bags of manure
Sir......
Listowel is well known for it's literary tradition and colourful shop-fronts, also it's ornamental plaster work, which was crafted in the 19th century by a local stone mason, Patrick McAuliffe.
The Arts and Heritage Centre in the square is regarded as a prestigious venue. Many international and top Irish groups are proud to say they have " played Listowel". The local tradition of literary achievements and music enables Listowel to justifiably boast that it is the cultural capital of Kerry.
For cheoil agus craic in the pubs, and on the streets, for poetry and pure pleasure, for the very best of racing, Listowel. Angling is also another sport enjoyed by locals and visitors.
Farming is the main source of income, and many of Listowel's population of 4,000 would be directly dependent upon farming and it's associated businesses. Local produce from farming are often supplied to the Pubs, Guesthouses, Restaurants and Hotels in Listowel and can be enjoyed as part of the fare they offer.
PLACES OF INTEREST
St Mary's Church (RC)
This is a fine Gothic style church, which is situated in Listowel Square. It was built by John Sisk of Cork in 1829. Additions such as the spire and porch were added when the side aisles were added and the mosaic work in the Sanctuary was completed by Oppenheimer of Manchester.
St John's (Church) Arts Centre
St John's Gothic style church is situated in the centre of Listowel Square. It was built in 1819 to a design of Cork Architect James Payne. The church has a long and interesting history and has associations with the main Anglo-Irish families of the district, including the Sandes, Hewsons, Raymonds, Sir Arthur Vicars and Kitcheners. In a space of five years St John's has established itself as the focal point of visual and performing arts in North Kerry with a monthly programme of drama, music, dance, film and exhibitions. The centre is now rightfully regarded as "the premier venue for touring theatre in Ireland". Latest Entertainments Programme
Court House
This building was rebuilt in 1927 after a design by William Caldbeck. An imposing building of Neo-Roman style it replaced an earlier building constructed in the 1840's and burnt down by Republicans on 5th may 1922.
St Patrick's Hall
St Patrick Temperance Hall was built in 1894. It was the headquarters of the Listowel town band and the building is still referred to us the "Bands Room". Today, it is used by local Youth groups for leisure activities, and houses the offices of Listowel writer's week committee.
Famine Graveyard
This graveyard lies about a quarter of a mile outside Listowel on the Ballybunion Road and is sign posted Teampaillin Ban (the little white churchyard) is the famine Graveyard where many nameless victims of the Irish Famine 1845-47 were interred in mass graves.
Railway Station
The north Kerry line was constructed in the later half of the 19th century. By 1926 the line has become part of the great Southern Railways. The fine stone building which is located at the rear of O'Connell Avenue dates back to 1922. Sadly, only a dilapidated ruin remains today, due to the closure of the Railway line. | 
