Major city · Ireland
ListowelLios Tuathail
Give Listowel one night, two if you want Ballybunion beach: it is a literary market town, not a sightseeing base.
Listowel is the largest town in north Kerry, 28 km northeast of Tralee, known for its writers, its September race festival and the world's first operational monorail. The town itself is small and walkable: a castle, a writers' museum and a monorail museum fill an afternoon. Most travellers use it as a quiet stop between Limerick and Tralee, or as a base for Ballybunion's beaches and golf.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days)
- Airports
- KIR · SNN
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Listowel112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Listowel, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyListowel is a small, low-crime town and safe to walk at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, ambulance, fire, coast guard · 999 police, ambulance, fire (alternative)
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckKIR Kerry Airport, Farranfore (About 50 min by road via Tralee; bus links are limited, so check connections.).
- Getting aroundListowel and Ballybunion are small and walkable, with buses between them.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub bar meal (main course)€14–22 (≈ US$17–30)
- BeerPint of stout€5.50–6.50 (≈ US$7–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across towncheck€8–12 (≈ US$10–14)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Writers' Museum / Lartigue Monorail)Listowel Castle is free.€8–10 (≈ US$10–12) adult
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per room€150 (≈ US$180)
- Mid-range bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room€150 (≈ US$180)
- High-end bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €190 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KIR Kerry Airport, Farranfore (About 50 min by road via Tralee; bus links are limited, so check connections.) · SNN Shannon Airport (About 1 h 30 min by road; the usual arrival point for the Shannon Ferry route.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jun (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Listowel: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
14 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
15 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
15 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
17 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
17 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Listowel and Ballybunion are small and walkable, with buses between them. You need wheels to see the rest of the district: the round tower at Rattoo, Bromore Cliffs, Beale Strand and Carrigafoyle Castle are all off the bus network.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Ballybunion
goDoor to door: About 40 min by bus
Bus Éireann 272 from The Square, or 15 km (9.3 mi) by carBus Éireann 272 from The Square, or 9.3 mi (15 km) by car
Two beaches split by a 16th-century tower-house shell; surf school on the south beach.
Rattoo Round Tower
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Car via Ballyduff, about 12 km (7.5 mi) westCar via Ballyduff, about 7.5 mi (12 km) west
Kerry's only intact round tower, 28 m tall, 10th or 11th century; unguided site.
Carrigafoyle Castle
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Car via Ballylongford, about 15 km (9.3 mi) northCar via Ballylongford, about 9.3 mi (15 km) north
Tower house of 1490 in the Shannon channel; open May–Sep daily 10:00–18:00.Tower house of 1490 in the Shannon channel; open May–Sep daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Tarbert and the Shannon Ferry
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Car to Tarbert Pier, about 20 km (12 mi) northCar to Tarbert Pier, about 12 mi (20 km) north
20-min crossing to Killimer in County Clare, hourly Sep–May and every 30 min Jun–Aug; saves the inland detour through Limerick.
Tralee
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Expressway Bus 13 from The Square, about 40 min
County museum and the gateway to the Dingle peninsula.
Dingle Peninsula
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Car via Tralee and the N86
Too far for a comfortable return day: sleep out on the peninsula.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Square and William St
Town centre: castle, pubs, hotel and B&Bs within a 5-min walk. Best for one night without a car.
Ballybunion
Seaside resort 15 km (9.3 mi) west, with two beaches, a surf school and golf. Best for beach and golf trips; you need a car or the 272 bus.Seaside resort 9.3 mi (15 km) west, with two beaches, a surf school and golf. Best for beach and golf trips; you need a car or the 272 bus.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or B&B double room1 × 1 night × €150 | €150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €110 | €220 |
| Bus Éireann Limerick → Listowel, one way2 × €15 · check | €30 |
| Shannon Ferry, car plus passengers, one way1 × €25 · check | €25 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €46 |
| Trip total≈ €251 per person per day, bed included | €501≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub bar meal (main course) | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Pint of stout | €5.50–6.50 (≈ US$7–8) |
| Museum entry (Writers' Museum / Lartigue Monorail)Listowel Castle is free. | €8–10 (≈ US$10–12) adult |
| Taxi across towncheck | €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) |
| Round of golf, Ballybunion Old Coursecheck; book ahead. | €150–250 (≈ US$180–300) in season |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Village pubs and restaurants keep short hours outside summer: check before you set out.
- Beale Strand and the Ballybunion beaches face the open Atlantic: currents are strong, swim between flags only.
- The N69 and R523 are narrow, unlit country roads: drive them in daylight if you are not used to left-hand driving.
- Listowel Races week in September fills every bed in town: book months ahead or sleep in Tralee.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard
- 112
- Police, ambulance, fire (alternative)
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ListowelLios Tuathail
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard112
- Police, ambulance, fire (alternative)999
Embassy
No embassies in Listowel: most countries keep embassies in Dublin and consulates in Cork or Limerick. US citizens: the embassy is in Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus 13 Limerick → Listowel: about 90 min, roughly €15 (≈ US$18) (check)
- Bus 13 Listowel → Tralee: about 40 min (check)
- Shannon Ferry, Tarbert → Killimer: 20 min, hourly Sep–May, every 30 min Jun–Aug (check fares)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Cá bhfuil an leithreas? — Where is the toilet? (kaw will an leh-rass)
Town centre has 5G from all Irish carriers; Ballybunion has 4G with a poor signal on the approach roads.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Listowel. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for KIR and SNN: last bus times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: The Square, William St, the castle and the two museums.
- Place pages with verified opening hours and last entry for Listowel Castle, the Writers' Museum and the Lartigue Monorail.
- Festival fixtures for Writers' Week in June and the Harvest Festival races in September.
Sources
- officialDiscover Ireland — County Kerry
- officialBus Éireann
- officialShannon Ferries
- officialHeritage Ireland — Listowel Castle
- officialKerry Writers' Museum
- officialLartigue Monorail and Museum
- officialListowel Races
- secondaryWikivoyage: Listowel, revision 5332534 (CC BY-SA 4.0)