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Kerry Writers’ Museum

The Kerry Writers Museum is open from June 29th!

KERRY WRITERS’ MUSEUM

Listowel has always been a magnet for visitors passionate about the written word, storytelling and all things cultural, so it should come as no surprise that we have constructed a splendid building for them in the heart of our town; it is called Kerry Writers’ Museum. A place that celebrates the stories of the past and helps create the stories of the future.

 

WRITERS’ ROOMS

Kerry Writers’ Museum – a tastefully restored 19th century Georgian townhouse – is the living repository of Listowel’s wonderful literary heritage. Each of Listowel’s celebrated literary greats have their own designated ‘Writers Room’ (John B Keane, Bryan MacMahon, Brendan Kennelly, Maurice Walsh & George Fitzmaurice). Each room contains visceral art installations and reconstructions, which help bring each writer’s works to life and help transport the visitor back to the literary Listowel of the past.  These are complimented by original material and artefacts, audio and written presentations, as well as a popular audio-visual presentation of the surrounding Kerry landscapes, the unique and beautiful countryside that inspired these writers.

 

LISTOWEL THROUGH THE AGES

North Kerry is a special place. It has inspired generations of writers, playwrights and poets whose work has gone on to win international acclaim. At its heart lies the historic town of Listowel, the people who live here and the countryside that surrounds it.  Our interactive exhibition ‘Listowel through the Ages’ takes visitors on a journey deep into the landscape, history and folklore that fired the genius of those writers.  Discover ancient sites, medieval knights, the horror of famine, tales of mutiny and the world’s strangest train!

 

PÚCA THE HARE STORY TRAIL

For the little explorers, join our Museum Mascot Púca the Hare on an Exploration Trail to discover local myths and legends.  The trail features interactive stories taken from the 1930’s Irish Folklore Commission school’s collection.

Children aged 10 and under, go free!

 

CASTLE VIEW CAFE & GIFT CENTRE

Kerry Writers’ Museum provides visitors with an opportunity to voyage into Kerry’s literary and cultural past, immerse themselves in the dreams, words and stories of these great writers; but is also a living cultural and tourist centre, a place for visitors to relax, shop and be themselves.

 

Visitors can browse and explore the Museum’s bookstore and gift shop and enjoy a variety of barista coffees from the Moyasta coffee range, and freshly baked scones & pastries, in the relaxing setting of Castle View Café. When the weather is fine, and Listowel festival season kicks in, take a coffee into the Museum’s elegant forecourt and enjoys views of Listowel’s Norman castle and the statue of literary great Bryan MacMahon.

 

THE STORIES OF THE FUTURE

Our Museum is where we lovingly and passionately preserve our literary heritage, but it is also a welcoming home for contemporary literary talent, helping foster the poets, storytellers and writers of the future. The Museum regularly hosts historical lectures, traditional ‘rambling houses’, traditional music events and coffee mornings for various charitable causes. The monthly Poetry in the Park event, organised by reputed local poets like Micheál Gallagher, Barbara Derbyshire and Marian Relihan, showcases local literary and poetic talent and is a wonderful celebration of the living culture of Listowel and Kerry.

 

TOURIST INFORMATION

Listowel Community Tourist Office is located at Kerry Writers’ Museum.  Come in for some inspirational ideas on how to spend your time in North Kerry and beyond.  Free advice, maps and much more available!

 

 

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