From its rolling green countryside, sandy beaches, spectacular golf courses, relaxing rural long and short distance walks, to engaging historical monuments and a life on stage that combines songs and tales of Ireland’s rural past, North Kerry is the hidden treasure of the beautiful South West. Genius in literature, poetry, music, art and theatre, it is not a wonder that its towns and villages are home to a dazzling array of visitor attractions, festivals and vibrant performances.

North Kerry has reserved also a warm place in its heart for children and boasts some of the most engaging, entertaining events and attractions in Ireland - from annual events such as street carnivals like the Bumble Bee Festival and the Kerry Pageant Festival to the beach for festivals filled with fun and games at the Ballyheigue Summer Festival.

Rain or sunshine outside, the younger visitor has a broad variety of all weather attractions they can enjoy, like exploring the underground in Crag Cave, riding in the indoor rapids at the Aqua Dome, experiencing life in Medieval Geraldine Tralee at the Kerry County Museum and discovering time past aboard the Lartigue Monorail.

Due to the strong agricultural background, North Kerry has had a long standing tradition of being a supplier of foods to neighbouring counties, and in more modern times the world at large, and is the home of the Kerry Group and Denny’s Meats. The Listowel Food Fair celebrates the gourmet range of food available in Kerry via a weekend long packed schedule of seminars, workshops and delectable recipes.

Turning to literature, North Kerry is the birthplace of some of the most famous of Irish writer’s such as John B. Keane, Brendan Kennelly, Bryan Mac Mahon, Brendan Kennelly, Maurice Walsh and George Fitzmaurice. Locals and literary fans young and old acknowledge and celebrate this at literary workshops held throughout the year at Seanchaí, Kerry Literary Centre, Listowel and at annul festivals such as the Listowel Writer’s Week held each June and the Brendan Kennelly Summer Festival held each August in Ballylongford.

Music and theatre lovers are also spoiled for choice. Relax at an evening at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee, the proud base of Ireland’s National Folk Theatre or attend one of the varied musical and theatrical performances of Local, National and International distinction, staged at smaller venues like the Abbeydorney Drama Society theatre and St. John’s Theatre in Listowel, to the new, world-class Tinteán Theatre in Ballybunion. Or sing along and dance first hand at some of the local Festivals, in traditional musical Mecca’s like the Dan Paddy Andy Festival in Lyracrumpane, Seán McCarthy Festival in Finuge, Con Curtin Music Festival in Brosna or the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival in Castleisland. Join in a local sing song with traditional performers, rambling house style, at A Day In The Bog in Kilflynn or Teach Siamsa in Finuge.

Uncover North Kerry and feel at home amongst the people, as every visitor has a special role to play – all you have to do is cheer, laugh, whistle and tap your shoe in keeping with the tune to the heart of rural Ireland’s beat!

Abbeydorney
Ardfert
Ballybunion
Ballyheigue
Ballylongford
Blennerville
Castleisland
Fenit
Finuge
Kilflynn
Listowel
Lixnaw
Lyracrumpane
Tarbert
Tralee