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Heritage Ireland

Listowel Castle

The last bastion of the Fitzmaurices

Closed

See all opening times

Listowel Castle

The last bastion of the Fitzmaurices

Closed

See all opening times

Site Closed

Site Closed for 2024 Season

Admission

Free admission

Getting here

The Square
Listowel
Co. Kerry
V31 RD93

Get Directions

Listowel Castle

Listowel Castle stands on an elevation overlooking the River Feale, above the location of a strategic ford. Although only half of the building survives, it is still one of Kerry’s best examples of Anglo-Norman architecture.

Only two of the original four square towers, standing over 15 metres high, remain. The towers are united by a curtain wall of the same height and linked together – unusually – by an arch on one side.

Listowel was the last bastion against the forces of Queen Elizabeth in the First Desmond Rebellion in 1569. The castle’s garrison held out for 28 days of siege before finally being overpowered by Sir Charles Wilmot. In the days following the castle’s fall, Wilmot executed all of the soldiers left inside.

Right next door to the castle is Seanchaí – the Kerry Literary and Cultural Centre – where you can journey through the fascinating history of the castle and the region.

Opening Times

27 May- 27 September 2024

Monday – Friday 10:00 – 18:00

Last admission 17:15

Notice

Please note access to the upper castle floors is by steep winding staircases so there is very limited wheelchair access on site.

Seasonal Opening Times

Out of Season Tour Groups

Listowel Castle can be opened out of season for tour groups by prior arrangement with Pádraig Ó Ruairc

Contact

The Square
Listowel
Co. Kerry
V31 RD93

086 385 7201

Getting Here

Located in Listowel town centre

Open location in Google Maps

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Facilities

  • Challenging Access

Restrictions

  • Access by Guided Tour Only
  • Challenging Access
  • Hold hand rail
  • Limited Access
  • Uneven walkways

Nearby sites to visit

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