What Makes The Listowel Harvest Festival Special? Your Guide The Listowel Races is one of the last true traditional styles of horse racing festivals left on Irish shores. Hosted in the town of Listowel in the north of County Kerry, the meeting dates way back to 1858 and the main event is the Listowel Harvest Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every September. Check out the best Listowel Harvest Festival betting offers. Listowel Harvest Festival There's always an incredible atmosphere at Listowel and it's a festival where the rural folk come out in droves. It's a meeting that all of the local trainers tend to target, proven by Rathkeale-based trainer Eric McNamara - who landed an incredible treble on the Friday of the festival in 2024. The big race of the week is the Guinness Kerry National, a prestigious and highly competitive handicap chase that attracts all of the top trainers, jockeys, and horses from across Ireland and Britain. Annual Ritual The magic of Listowel lies as much in the people as it does in the racing. For locals, the races are a yearly ritual that marks the end of the summer and the beginning of the harvest season. The entire town seems to hum with life and music spills out of pubs long into the night. The social aspect of the festival is enormous, with two of the best pubs in the country in John B Keane's and the Horseshoe Bar among others to choose from. The Listowel Arms hotel is the focal point of the town. Ladies Day Fashion plays a big role in most big horse racing meetings these days too and Ladies Day at Listowel is no different. It is one of the biggest days of the week, attracting fashionistas from all corners of the country. The style stakes are high, with prizes awarded for the best-dressed attendees, and the day adds a layer of colour to the week. Ladies Day is always a great way to get people who may not otherwise have an interest in the sport, get sucked into the love of the sport through fashion. Tips for Attending the Listowel Races If you’re planning to go to the Listowel Races, you will need to plan well ahead as it can be booked out a long time in advance. Book Accommodation Early It can be very difficult to find accommodation around the town of Listowel. However, most people source accommodation in either Ballybunion, which is only 15 minutes away, or the bustling town of Tralee. Buy Tickets in Advance If you want to go to one of the big days like the Kerry National or Ladies Day, it is advisable to book your tickets as early as possible. Dress Code The great thing about Listowel is there is no dress code, but perhaps if you are going to Ladies Day, make a little bit of effort! Enjoy the Local Food You will be treated to local Irish dishes such as seafood chowder, bacon and cabbage and Irish stew. There are also plenty of food options on the course and don't forget the pint of porter, a proper Guinness! Betting Even if you’re not a regular punter, this is a week to have a flutter. You can choose between on-course bookmakers or the Tote.
