Situated in North Kerry on the banks of the River Feale, Listowel is host to the famous Listowel Races. The 7 day festival was due to start on Sunday the 14th of September but racing for both Sunday and Monday had to be cancelled due to heavy rain. The racing festival will now run from Tuesday 16th of September to Saturday the 20th of September. This year the committee are celebrating 150 years of racing. Once you get to Listowel town the racecourse isn’t too far away. It’s easily within walking distance! So park up the car and lets go racing…

With feature races every day of the meeting, if you’re not lucky backing the winner of the big races, your luck may be in with some of the competitions held during the festival. There is one 1500 Euro holiday voucher up for grabs every day and also the chance to win a car. For the fashion conscious, one of you could walk away with the crown of “best dressed lady”. With a prize of a 1500 Euro shopping spree there’s plenty of incentive to would-be fashionistas. Guys, please don’t feel left out, believe it or not there’s a “best dressed man” competition as well. So come on, raid the wardrobes and prove to the ladies that you can be just as stylish.

No one is forgotten at this festival. Family day was scheduled for the first day of the meeting, but unfortunately this was cancelled due to the bad weather. But I’m sure if you bring the kids along another day they will certainly have a great time as they will enjoy seeing the horses on parade and of course see the horses racing.

Despite the obvious attraction of horses and courses, you also have on site a restaurant, take-away food stops, bars and a betting shop. And if you’re in no hurry to go home after the racing, why not stay on and enjoy a leisurely drink and entertainment?

Here are a few facts to convince you to come to Listowel for the festival.

1996 Gold Cup winner Imperial Call appeared at Listowel Races early on in his racing career.

2003 Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner Alamshar won his first race at Listowel in 2002.

The highlight of Listowel Race week has got to be the Kerry National, a handicap steeplechase. This race was won in the past by 2003 English Grand National winner Montys Pass and subsequent Whitbread Gold Cup and dual Galway Plate Winner, Life of Lord.

There’s no doubt about it, with all the extra visitors, Listowel will be a lively town during the seven day racing festival. Soak up the party atmosphere with a trip into town. If you have the kids in tow, I’m sure they will be very persuasive in steering you towards the funfair.

For more on the Listowel Races.

If you need somewhere to stay you can choose from a selection of Listowel accommodation and Kerry hotels and book online.