Direction Ireland

Listowel Castle

Southwest Ireland | County Kerry

Listowel Castle is a tower house located in the town of Listowel, about 25 km northeast from Tralee in County Kerry. It was probably built in the15th century by Fitzmaurice family (Lords of Kerry), on the site of an earlier castle believed to be from the 13th century. The castle stands on the banks of river Feale, above the location of a strategic ford. Originally, the castle had four towers (of four storeys) connected by a curtain wall, similar to Bunratty Castle. Only half of the stronghold has survived to this day. Listowel Castle was the last bastion against Queen Elizabeth I in the First Desmond Rebellion, defeated after 28 days of the siege on 5 November 1600, by Sir Charles Wilmot who thereafter executed survivors of the castle's garrison. The castle was left abandoned and fell into ruins. In 2005, restoration works were carried out by the Office of Public Works, and the external staircase was built to enable the visitors to access the upper stories.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • 21st May - 18th Sept
    • Daily: 13 - 17
• TICKET PRICES :
  • Free of charge
• CONTACT :
  • Phone: +353 (86) 385 7201
  • Email: padraig.oruairc@opw.ie
• COORDINATES :
  • 52.444358
  • -9.487065
• CAR PARK :
  • Yes