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County Kerry is the most westerly county in Ireland and is a place rich in culture and history. Famed for its literary contributions and the many festivals held each year, a major part of those festival celebrations is found in market town of Listowel where the seven day autumn horseracing meeting is held. Listowel races have been a feature of the town since 1858 and have proved to be a major draw for racing fans who flock to the course for the final racing festival of the summer, an event which coincides with the Harvest Festival to produce the highlight of the social and racing calendar.
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The racecourse is within easy walking distance of the town which itself is some 25km from Tralee and 80km from Limerick, both of which can be reached by frequent train services from Dublin and during the festival buses carry expectant race fans to Listowel races.
At seven days in duration the Festival matches that of Galway races and is second only to that most famous festival in appeal and attendances.
Traditionally a time when farmers came to bet their harvest proceeds the festival has grown to become a major cultural attraction in the town and a warm welcome is extended to all visitors who wish to enjoy the last racing festival before Christmas.
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In addition to the autumn festival held in September the course also host a three day Summer Festival in June, providing the ideal leisure opportunity for families holidaying in beautiful County Kerry.
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The facilities at the course are impressive and friendly atmosphere combined with the thrill of the Listowel races makes for a great day out. The town of Listowell has a great many historic and cultural attractions besides and has some excellent pubs and restaurants.
The track at the course is a left handed oval with a circumference of one mile and two furlongs. There are hurdles and national hunt fences and the hurdles can be moved after each event to provide for different race variations. Regular upgrading and redevelopment of the enclosure has resulted in modern and well equipped facilities for racegoers. Race day options include the Hannon Stand which has a reserved seating section and the Reserved Stand which hosts Tote betting facilities and two bars.
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Recent additions include the New Stand Complex with a superb restaurant and public bars and an upper level which may be reserved for dining and corporate hospitality for between 40 to 100 guests. In addition to the stand facilities there are further bars, food outlets, shops, an on-course betting outlet and CCTV race coverage with a big screen erected for the September Festival. After the races, music and entertainment is laid on to continue the celebrations.
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Admission to Listowel costs €15 for the June fixtures and €20 for the September festival. Senior citizens and students get in for half price and accompanied children under 14 get free admission. Ideal then for a family day out Listowel races offers a value for money sporting, cultural and leisure experience in County Kerry.
The September Festival is as much a celebration of the town as the Listowel races and there is always plenty going on throughout the festival week. Buskers and street entertainers are commonplace as is live music in the pubs providing a fantastic social scene. Cultural attractions include the Kerry Literary and Culture Centre, which celebrates the town’s most notable literary output and for those who like to indulge in some golf during their stay, there is a golf club in the town and nearby is the famous Ballybunion Golf Course on which such golfing luminaries as Tiger Woods and Tom Watson have played.
This website is operated by Websitebrokers Limited and is not affiliated to any one racecourse or group of racecourse |
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