Access Welcome Guide

Welcome

Kerry Writers’ Museum is committed to ensuring that all visitors have a full and equal opportunity to benefit from everything we have to offer. We want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable, and included from the moment they arrive.

Located in a beautifully restored 19th-century Georgian residence adjacent to Listowel Castle, our museum celebrates the stories and lives of Kerry’s greatest writers. We believe those stories belong to everyone.

We have done our best to describe the facilities, services, and accessibility features available at our museum and in the surrounding area. If we have not covered your specific access needs in this guide, please get in touch and we will be delighted to help.

Contact us:

Contact Information

If you require assistance before or during your visit, please contact us by:

We are happy to discuss your access needs in advance so we can do our best to prepare for your visit.

Getting Here

By Car

Eircode: V31 RD93

Kerry Writers’ Museum is located at 24 The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, in the heart of the town centre adjacent to Listowel Castle.

  • From Tralee: Take the N69 north. Listowel is approximately 27km (around 30 minutes).
  • From Limerick: Take the N21 south-west to Abbeyfeale, then continue on the N69 to Listowel (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).
  • From Cork: Take the N22 to Tralee, then the N69 north to Listowel (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).

Parking: There is public parking available in Listowel town centre, including in The Square and in nearby car parks. Disabled parking bays are available in the town centre. Please contact us if you require specific parking guidance and we will be happy to advise.

By Bus

Bus Eireann operates services to Listowel from Tralee and Limerick approximately every two hours. Route 13 (Limerick to Tralee) serves Listowel en route.

Local Link Kerry also operates several routes serving Listowel from the surrounding area, including routes from Moyvane, Tarbert, Ballylongford, and other local areas. For timetables, visit www.locallinkkerry.ie/listowel.

The bus stop at Listowel Square is within walking distance of the museum.

For all Bus Eireann timetables and accessibility information, visit www.buseireann.ie.

By Train

The nearest train station is Tralee Casement Station, approximately 27km from Listowel. Irish Rail operates services between Tralee and Dublin, Killarney, and Mallow. From Tralee, you can continue to Listowel by Bus Eireann or taxi. Visit www.irishrail.ie for schedules, accessibility information, and to arrange assistance.

By Air

Kerry Airport (Farranfore) is approximately 45 minutes by car from Listowel. The airport operates flights to and from Dublin, London Stansted, London Luton, and other European destinations.

Shannon International Airport is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car from Listowel.

Taxis

There are a number of local taxi companies serving Listowel. We are happy to provide details on request. Please contact us on +353 (0) 68 22212 and we will assist you in arranging suitable transport, including accessible vehicle options where required.

Key Accessibility Features

Information and Planning

We recommend booking your visit in advance, as our museum is intimate in size and tours can sell out quickly. Booking ahead also gives us the opportunity to make any necessary arrangements for your visit.

  • Advance booking: Available at kerrywritersmuseum.com/book-now
  • Familiarisation visits: We welcome visitors who wish to visit in advance of their main trip to familiarise themselves with the layout and facilities at no additional cost. Please contact us to arrange.

Parking

Accessible parking bays are available in Listowel town centre. The museum is located at The Square, so town centre car parks and on-street disabled bays are the most convenient options. Please contact us in advance if you need further guidance on the most suitable parking for your needs.

Building Entrance

Kerry Writers’ Museum is housed in a 19th-century Georgian townhouse. Step-free access is available via the main entrance. Please note that, as a heritage building, some structural limitations apply within certain areas of the museum. We encourage you to contact us in advance so we can advise on the most suitable entrance and route through the museum for your individual requirements.

Customer Lifts

Customer lifts are available to assist visitors moving between floors. Please ask any member of staff if you require assistance and we will do our very best to accommodate you.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilet facilities are available within the building. If you need assistance locating these facilities, please ask a member of staff and we will do our very best to assist.

Access Within the Museum

Our team is on hand to assist visitors with access requirements throughout the building. Please ask any member of staff and we will do our very best to accommodate you.

Castle View Cafe

Following your museum tour, our Castle View Cafe is available on site for light refreshments, including a variety of coffees, scones, and pastries. Please let us know of any specific access requirements or dietary needs when booking or on arrival and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Our staff are available to assist disabled customers in the cafe if required, including table service on request.

Dietary requirements: Please inform us in advance of any dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or allergen-specific needs.

Staff Assistance

Our team is trained to assist visitors. Please do not hesitate to ask any member of staff for help at any point during your visit. We are always happy to assist.

Emergency Evacuation

General Emergency Evacuation Plans (GEEPs) are in place for visitors with disabilities or access requirements. If you would like to know more about our emergency arrangements, please speak with a member of our team on arrival.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs, including guide dogs and autism assistance dogs, are welcome at Kerry Writers’ Museum. Facilities for assistance dogs are available nearby in Listowel town centre, including green spaces close to The Square.

Sensory Information

Kerry Writers’ Museum is an immersive storytelling experience. Here is what you can expect during a visit to help you plan:

  • Sound: Audio tour content plays throughout the Writers’ Rooms. Background ambient sound and music may be present in some areas.
  • Lighting: Lighting levels vary throughout the museum. Some exhibition areas use atmospheric, lower-level lighting to enhance the storytelling experience.
  • Touch: Some interactive elements and exhibits are available for visitors to engage with. Please ask a member of staff to point these out.
  • Smell: The museum is housed in a restored historical building. There are no strong artificial scents used.
  • Movement: The tour is self-guided (audio-led). You move at your own pace through the Writers’ Rooms. There is no time pressure.

If you or a member of your group has sensory sensitivities, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate your needs, including advising on quieter times to visit.

Accessible Destination Highlights

During your visit, you may wish to explore the wider Listowel area and North Kerry. Below are some suggestions from across the local area. We recommend contacting venues directly to confirm their current accessibility arrangements before your visit.

Disclaimer: The accessibility information provided for third-party businesses below has not been independently verified by Kerry Writers’ Museum. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. If you have concerns, we strongly recommend that you contact the business directly to confirm whether the venue meets your needs.

Food and Drink in Listowel

Listowel town centre has a range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs within easy walking distance of the museum. The town has good footpaths throughout the centre. For specific accessibility information, we recommend contacting venues directly.

Listowel Castle

Adjacent to the museum, Listowel Castle is one of the best-preserved tower houses in Ireland. It is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Contact the OPW for accessibility information: www.heritageireland.ie

St John’s Theatre and Arts Centre

Located on The Square, Listowel, St John’s is a vibrant local arts centre hosting theatre, music, and cultural events. Contact St John’s directly for their accessibility information and any specific requirements.

Listowel Racecourse

Listowel Racecourse hosts the famous Listowel Races festival each September, one of Ireland’s most celebrated racing festivals. Contact the racecourse for accessibility information: www.listowelraces.ie

Ballybunion Beach and Town

Approximately 18km from Listowel, Ballybunion is a popular seaside town with a sandy beach. Beach wheelchairs may be available seasonally. Contact Kerry County Council for details.

Kerry Airport

Kerry Airport (Farranfore) is approximately 45 minutes from Listowel and offers accessibility services for passengers with reduced mobility. Visit www.kerryairport.ie for full accessibility information.

Emergency and Medical Information

We recognise that not everything always goes to plan and want to give you the information you may need just in case.

Nearest Hospital

University Hospital Kerry Rathass, Tralee, Co. Kerry Phone: +353 (0) 66 718 4000 Website: www.uhk.ie Approximately 30 minutes by car from Listowel.

GP Surgery (Local)

Convent Street Clinic 41 Market Street, Listowel, Co. Kerry Eircode: V31 DV76 Phone: +353 (0) 68 21163.
The surgery is wheelchair accessible with street parking available nearby.

Listowel Health Centre (HSE) Grounds of Listowel Community Hospital, Convent Road, Listowel, Co. Kerry Phone: +353 (0) 68 21222

Pharmacies in Listowel

There are several pharmacies in Listowel town centre, including on Convent Street and in the wider town. We are happy to direct you to the nearest pharmacy on request.

  • Harnett’s Pharmacy, The Square, Listowel 
  • Maguire’s Pharmacy, Listowel (additional locations in town)

Please ask a member of our team for directions.

Nearest Defibrillator (AED)

There are public access defibrillators located around Listowel town centre. Please ask our staff for the location of the nearest one on arrival.

Emergency Services

For all emergencies, please call 999 or 112.

Share Your Feedback

We are constantly reviewing and improving our visitor experience. Your feedback helps us continue to do that, and any changes will be reflected in this Access Welcome Guide.

If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions about accessibility at Kerry Writers’ Museum, we would love to hear from you:

This Access Welcome Guide was produced in June 2026 and will be reviewed and updated regularly.

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