Listowel Castle
The last bastion of the FitzGeralds
09:30 – 18:00
Site Closed
Admission
Free admission
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.
Highlights

Gallery
Opening Times
21st May – 18th September
09.30 – 18.00
Last admission 45 minutes before closing
Average length of visit: 1 hour
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
info@heritageireland.ie or padraig.oruairc@opw.ie
Facilities
Restrictions
- Access by Guided Tour Only
- Hold hand rail
- Limited Access
- Uneven walkways
Nearby sites to visit
Listowel Castle
Scattery Island Centre
In the footsteps of St Senan
Approx. 18.8 km from Listowel Castle
Ardfert Cathedral
A trio of medieval churches devoted to St Brendan
Approx. 23.8 km from Listowel Castle
Desmond Castle Newcastlewest
Where sounds of medieval revelry echo around the walls
Approx. 28.9 km from Listowel Castle