|
|
|
Ireland is renowned for its cultural contributions in literature and music and this is most evident in places like County Kerry where there are many festivals held each year in celebration of these aspects. Horseracing is of course as deeply ingrained into the Irish culture as anything else and in the town of Listowel, Co. Kerry in particular, where there is a hugely popular seven day autumn festival, held in September. |
|
Listowel racing has defined the town for many since 1858 and the autumn festival traditionally coincides with harvest celebrations to draw a great many race fans and anyone else who enjoys the incredible social atmosphere and activities associated with the event.
Listowel is situated some 80km from Limerick and 25km from Tralee, and is connected via buses on racedays from these locations. The course itself is close to the town centre allowing racegoers easy access to all the facilities in the town. There are only two seven day racing festivals held in Ireland, the Galway races being the other and Listowel racing is second only to that great event in numbers and appeal. Combined with the harvest festival and being the last big race attraction before Christmas makes the autumn festival at Listowel all the more appealing for visitors.
|
|
Although the Listowel racing highlight is the autumn festival there is also racing hosted during the summer festival in June, a particularly popular event for those spending summer holidays exploring the stunning Co. Kerry landscape and attractions.
|
A friendly atmosphere at the course makes it a fun activity for causal racegoers and a classic warm welcome and high standard of facilities ensures a great day out is had by all. The town of Listowel has many further attractions and a great selection of bars and restaurants.
The track at Listowel is run left-handed and covers a distance of one mile two furlongs over national hunt fences and hurdles. Different jump fixtures can be held by adjusting the location of the hurdles. Throughout 150 years of racing history, the course has seen much redevelopment and upgrading to improve the facilities, hospitality and raceday experience. Two stands, the Reserved Stand and the Hannon Stand, which itself has a reserved seating section, provide the main race viewing options. The Reserved Stand also has two bars and tote betting facilities. |
|
|
The latest development is the New Stand complex which has public bars, a great restaurant and an upper tier which provides and exclusive space for corporate hospitality and dining for between 40 and 100 persons.
|
|
Further dining options, bars, betting and shops are available on-site and big screens are erected during the autumn festival to complement the existing CCTV coverage so racegoers don’t miss out on any of the Listowel racing action. The fun is continued after the last race with live entertainment.
Admission into the June races costs €15 per person and for the autumn festival, €20. Half price concessions are available for students and senior citizens and children under 14 get in for free when accompanied by an adult. The whole family can enjoy a day experiencing the best Listowel racing for less than many other attractions and this is the reason for the popularity of a day at Listowel incorporated into holiday plans in Co. Kerry.
|
During the festival week in September the town becomes awash with fun sights and cultural activities with street entertainers and live music and dance events. The most famous literary sons of Co. Kerry are celebrated in the Kerry Literary and Culture Centre while for keen golfers; the Ballybunion Golf Course, which has seen players such as Tiger Woods and Tom Watson, is nearby.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourse |
|
|
|
