Discover the Stories
Come join us to celebrate the stories of the past and create the stories of the future.
KERRY WRITERS’ MUSEUM
Gaze through the windows of wonder and journey deep into the landscape, history and folklore that inspired our writers.
our story
About us
Kerry is a special place. It has inspired generations of writers, playwrights and poets whose work has gone on to win international acclaim. At Kerry Writers’ Museum we invite you to follow the storyteller and discover the lives of some of the County’s finest creators of stories. From John B. Keane to Brendan Kennelly you will be transported into a world of comedy, love, mystery and magic as you weave your way through our writers’ rooms.
EXPLORE
Tours
Ignite your imagination and discover a dreamworld, a whole world of magic told by the Seanachaí – the bearer of Irish folklore. Embark on a journey set against the canvas of some of the greatest wordsmiths the country has ever seen. There will be mystery, there will be murder, there will be love, there will be comedy and then there will be more magic.
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What’s on at
Kerry Writers’ Museum
featured
John B. Keane
John B. Keane, dramatist, novelist, poet and raconteur, was born on 21 July 1928 in Listowel, where he resided with his wife Mary over their much-frequented public house, until his death.
John B. Keane has contributed greatly to both local and national theatrical life. His first play, Sive, presented by the Listowel Drama Group, won the All-Ireland Amateur Drama Festival in 1959, and its enormous impact immediately made Keane’s reputation. Sive is concerned with the traditional theme of the made marriage. It was followed in 1960 by Sharon’s Grave, one of the author’s favourite plays.
tours
Discover the stories and immerse yourself in the rich literary history of Kerry and book a tour today.
REVIEWS
What people are saying about us
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Popped in here to escape the rain and get a cup of tea and cake. Very reasonable prices and great service. Then noticed the little hare jumping around on the wall when I used the toilets! Looked very intriguing and prompted us all to buy tickets to the museum. Wow! So worth it as the exhibits and the way it was presented was lovely, really unusual. So informative and so different to other museums. Really good value for money and a real highlight to the town.
Great Service (Trip Advisor Review)
– March, 2023
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Most impressive is how ingrained in both The Creative & local communities The Seanchaí is, from the workshops, coffee mornings & plain old drop ins, To Book launches, poetry recitals, projects & engagements with the local schools. The Seanchaí is a much loved and universally treasured cultural icon. By the inhabitants of Listowel, most of Co. Kerry and West Limerick.
Mark Ollerhead (Google Review)
– March, 2023
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We had requested the 30-minute tour, but happily lingered for an hour longer than we had planned. As we exited, we looked at each other and laughed out loud at our good fortune. We could have so easily missed this experience that left us feeling moved, intrigued and a bit more educated about the Kerry writers. In our delight, we failed to tip our guide but I will be going to your donations page to make a modest pledge in gratitude for our host whose name we did not record to memory.
Jane Braswell (Google Review)
– March, 2023
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Our visit to the Kerry Writers Museum was a very memorable experience from beginning to end. Cara, who was working at the centre that day, was very welcoming and most helpful. The exhibition of the Kerry writers was imaginative and most engaging. The seanchai relating the background stories each writer was magic! A wonderful experience all round.
Cara (Google Review)
– May, 2021
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This museum has been developed with great care and meticulous attention to detail. The audio elements are matched perfectly to the installations which are beautifully presented. The option to activate the audio guides in each room without resorting to the use of handheld devices worked very well. This is a must see/hear for anyone with an interest in Irish writing. There is also a little coffee shop and gifts on sale.
Beautifully Curated (Trip Advisor Review)
– July, 2019