Kerry Writers Museum

13/06/2026

⚒️ Sparks flew, hammers rang, and our very own Shane Batten stepped up to the forge with Tom King, An Gobha, during the Listowel Celtic Arts Weekend.

Under Tom's expert guidance, visitors had the chance to craft their own Celtic pendant and experience one of Ireland's oldest traditions first-hand.

We think Shane looks right at home beside the fire — blacksmithing career change pending!

There’s still plenty to enjoy across the weekend, with exhibitions, workshops, talks, demonstrations, music and family-friendly events taking place in Kerry Writers’ Museum,

🎫 Find the full programme and book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/idca-listowel-celtic-art-weekend-2026-107958378461

12/06/2026

12/06/2026

🎉 Colourful characters, traditional crafts, music, storytelling, and community spirit — the Listowel Celtic Arts Weekend is in full swing!

📷A huge thank you to Shane Batten for capturing these snippets.

There's still plenty to see and do this weekend. Visit https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/idca-listowel-celtic-art-weekend-2026-107958378461
for event details and tickets.

11/06/2026

🎶 Ancient Music Ireland this evening at 7pm in St. John's Theatre & Arts Centre

Ancient Bronze Age, Iron Age (Celtic) and Early Medieval horns and trumpets!

IDCA 2026 Ancient Music Ireland

This delightful exhibition and upbeat performance and presentation by Simon and Maria O’Dwyer of Ancient Music Ireland begins by bringing the audience on a journey through the ages, starting with the earliest habitation of Ireland, through the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age and ending in Early Medieval times. A celebration of the great Irish instruments of the first millennium BC. Each period is highlighted through the progression and development of musical instruments, (of which Ireland is very rich) the playing of instruments and stories from legend. Simon is an outstanding storyteller and musician and has the audience on the journey with him every step of the way.

Pairs of Iron Age parade/ceremonial trumpets like those which would be contemporary with the Hill of Ward, Tara and Uisneach will be played and discussed. Other Instruments include reproduction pairs of Bronze Age horns and trumpets from Northern, Western, Central and Southern Ireland – circa 1,000 – 600 BC. and Early Medieval horns which are depicted in the 8th Century Vespasian Psalter. This event will feature a rare playing of the pair of ‘Ard Brinn’ Iron Age trumpets from Co. Down. This event has something for everyone – music, archaeology, anthropology, prehistory, geography and science.

🎟 Tickets are €17 and can be booked via our Box Office at 068 22566 or online at www.stjohnstheatre.ie

Kerry County Arts Creative Ireland Listowel | The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon Discover Kerry Kerry Writers Museum

11/06/2026

🏰 From castle walls to literary tales…

Before heading up town, call into Kerry Writers’ Museum — located right next door to Listowel Castle.

Take a moment to enjoy a coffee, homemade scone or sweet treat in our cosy café, browse books, gifts and local history, and discover the stories and writers that have helped shape Listowel’s rich literary heritage.

📚 Visitors to Listowel Castle can also enjoy a special discount on museum tours — just ask inside.

From castle history to literary stories — your Listowel journey continues here.

Kerry County Arts Creative Ireland The Heritage Council Discover Kerry

10/06/2026

✨ Behind the scenes at Kerry Writers’ Museum

Behind every museum are the people who help care for its stories.

Meet Shane Batten — museum caretaker by day and Celtic warrior when duty calls!

A familiar presence at Kerry Writers’ Museum, Shane is known for his distinctive tattoos, cheerful disposition and helpful manner.

Whether preparing spaces, welcoming visitors or donning full warrior attire for our Celtic Warrior Workshops, he brings energy and warmth to museum life.

Stories live not only in collections, but in the people who share them.

09/06/2026

✨A Monument to Craftsmanship | Listowel Celtic Arts Weekend

Standing an impressive 3 metres (10ft) high, this remarkable stone-carved fountain is now on display at Kerry Writers’ Museum as part of the Listowel Celtic Arts Weekend.

Designed by Tom Little and created under the instruction of Tom Little and Darren Enright, the piece was brought to life by apprentices from the Stonecutting & Stonemasonry Class of 2023–2026 at Kerry College It is a striking celebration of traditional craftsmanship, skill, and the enduring artistry of working with stone.

Now taking pride of place at the museum, this extraordinary work offers visitors a rare opportunity to appreciate the dedication, teamwork, and heritage skills involved in its creation.

Be sure to call in and experience this stunning centrepiece during your visit to the festival.
�📍 Kerry Writers’ Museum, 24 The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, V31 RD93.

🎟️ Full programme and tickets available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/idca-listowel-celtic-art-
weekend-2026-107958378461

09/06/2026

✨ Kerry Writers’ Museum presents Listowel Celtic Arts Weekend!

This weekend, Listowel welcomes artists, makers, musicians, historians, scholars and visitors from Ireland and abroad for four days celebrating the richness and diversity of Celtic art and culture.

Through exhibitions, workshops, talks, demonstrations and performances, the weekend offers an opportunity to explore the traditions, skills and stories that have shaped Celtic communities across generations and continue to inspire creativity today.

There is something here for everyone, from those with a long-standing interest in Celtic culture to those discovering its stories, traditions and artistic legacy for the first time.

Join us as we celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, heritage and cultural exchange in the heart of North Kerry.

For the full programme of events and tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/idca-listowel-celtic-art-weekend-2026-107958378461

📍 Kerry Writers’ Museum, 24 The Square, Listowel, Co.Kerry. V31 RD93.

📅 Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th June

Kerry County Arts Creative Ireland Discover Kerry Stephen Rynne ʚϊɞ St John's Theatre & Arts Centre Listowel/Duagh Comhaltas

09/06/2026

📜 There are moments when history feels less like something written in books, and more like something held in the hand.

We were delighted to welcome Daniel Ayiotis of the Military Archives to Kerry Writers’ Museum ahead of the Listowel Celtic Arts Weekend, bringing with him The Book of Ballykinlar — a rare and extraordinary work of Irish heritage, where memory, art, and lived experience meet on every page.

In his guest blog, Daniel traces the story of the Military Archives and the remarkable journey of this unique volume — from its origins in Ballykinlar Internment Camp to its place today as one of the most significant examples of early 20th-century Celtic art.

Read the full story here: https://kerrywritersmuseum.com/the-book-of-ballykinlar-comes-to-kerry-writers-museum/

The Book of Ballykinlar will be on display at Kerry Writers’ Museum throughout the Listowel Celtic Arts Weekend, 11–14 June — a rare opportunity to see this exceptional piece of history up close.

🎟️ For tickets and festival info, go to: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/idca-listowel-celtic-art-weekend-2026-107958378461

Kerry County Arts Creative Ireland Discover Kerry Stephen Rynne ʚϊɞ

08/06/2026