3.8 Tourism

Closed6 Dec, 2021, 12:01am - 23 Feb, 2022, 5:01pm

3.8 Tourism

(see also Volume 1, Chapter 10)

Listowel’s character primarily relates to its literary, artistic and cultural heritage as well as having a rich natural environment including the River Feale which is part of the Lower River Shannon SAC.  The town has all the assets and facilities required of a regional town, including a vibrant and rich built heritage and a growing economic and tourism base. Tourism also highlights traditional ways of life and an area’s character, creating a strong identity and a sense of place. 

Listowel’s geographical location, its history and cultural heritage, coupled with its tourism potential can provide a framework for investment over and above the impact of direct tourism revenue. Tourism is seen as an important tool of economic regeneration and a vital component for the continued vitality and vibrancy of the town.

It is the policy of the plan to facilitate where appropriate the development of projects listed in County Kerry Tourism and Action Plan 2016-2022 and successor strategies.

3.8.1 Historic Town

As a designated Historic Town and as an Architectural Conservation Area, Listowel is already a major activity hub and has a long history as a major tourist destination. World renowned festivals and events, including Listowel Writers Week Festival and The Listowel Races attract large numbers into the town during the tourist season. 

Afforded good transport infrastructure links by road, the public bus network and Kerry International Airport, Listowel also serves as a base to explore the established top attractions of the wider North Kerry area including Listowel Castle. An opportunity exists for Listowel to enhance its capacity as a tourism destination and to augment and extend the tourism season, capitalising on existing events and its unique literary and cultural offerings.

Listowel Castle photograph

3.8.2 Potential Growth Markets

Listowel’s proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way, and its location on the River Feale, position the town to take advantage of the growth in healthy outdoor adventure sports, including water sports and cycling. The construction of the North Kerry Greenway from Abbeyfeale to Tralee, linking to Limerick, potential greenway to Ballybunion and the River Feale blueway offers a significant opportunity for Listowel to become a major cycling and outdoor tourism hub. Kerry County Council will work with all tourism stakeholders and in particular Failte Ireland to grow and augment Listowel’s tourism offering and to progress and facilitate the objectives of the Cliff Coast Destination & Experience Development Plan. Linkages from the Greenway to the Town Centre will position the Square as a key destination along the Greenway network.

Photograph of building gable

Tourism Objectives

It is an objective of the Council to:

LIS 49

Strengthen Listowel’s identity and sense of place to facilitate its enhancement as a tourism destination in association with the Wild Atlantic Way while maintaining its key role as an economic driver in the area and preserving a balance between economic success and protection of the local environment.

LIS 50

Facilitate and support collaboration with Fáilte Ireland and other relevant agencies in the promotion of the projects of the Cliff Coast Destination & Experience Development Plan once approved.

LIS 51

Facilitate the development of an Activity Trail Head in Listowel to serve the Listowel to Limerick Greenway and Listowel to Tralee Greenway.

LIS 52

Facilitate the sustainable development of the Listowel to Tralee Greenway, the Listowel to Ballybunion Greenway and other greenways identified in Kerry County Council’s Greenway Strategy.

LIS 53

Facilitate the sustainable development of the River Feale walkway and Blueway for Listowel and its incorporation into the trailhead – subject to environmental assessment as appropriate.

LIS 54

Promote and protect the existing features and facilities such as the natural, literary artistic, cultural, and built heritage and facilitate tourism developments that pay due respect to Listowel’s history, environment, and location.

LIS 55

Promote and facilitate existing and new festivals, public art and activities in the Town particularly emphasizing its role as a family friendly town, in celebration and recognition of the town’s creativity, identity and heritage.

LIS 56

Facilitate the sustainable development of a campervan and motor home facility at the Outdoor Activity Facility on the interface of the Greenway and Blueway.

LIS 57

Provide improved tourist signage throughout the town.

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