- Maurice Walsh: Born in Ballydonoghue, near Listowel, County Kerry 1879–1964) A novelist and short-story writer, Walsh is best known for his short story The Quiet Man (1933), adapted into the iconic 1952 film starring John Wayne. His novels, such as The Small Dark Man (1929) and Blackcock’s Feather (1932), often depict Kerry’s landscapes and rural life with romantic and adventurous themes. A customs officer by profession, his Ballydonoghue upbringing inspired his vivid storytelling.
- Brendan Kennelly: Born in Ballylongford, County Kerry 1936–2021) Primarily a poet and academic, Kennelly also wrote the novel The Crooked Cross (1963), which explores the impact of emigration on a Kerry village, drawing on his Ballylongford roots. His lyrical prose and deep connection to Kerry’s community life, as seen in his poetry about Lislaughtin Abbey, complement his novelistic work. He was a professor at Trinity College Dublin and a key figure in Irish literature.
- John B. Keane (1928–2002): A native of Listowel, renowned for novels, plays, and stories such as The Field and Sive.
- Bryan MacMahon (1909–1998): A Listowel-based playwright, novelist, and short story writer known for The Lion Tamer.
- George Fitzmaurice (1877–1963): A playwright from near Listowel.
- Helen Broderick: A contemporary author based in Kerry who writes children’s and cozy crime novels.
- Seán Mac Mathúna: A writer who won awards for works in both Irish and English.
Novelists
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Poets
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Writers
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Kerry:
Ireland’s county Kerry is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with the Ring of Kerry offering scenic drives past lakes and coastal cliffs. Killarney National Park features the serene Lakes of Killarney and historic Muckross House, while Dingle’s coastal trails and dolphin-watching opportunities add natural allure. Accessible by seasonal ferry, the Skellig Islands’ ancient monastic ruins make Kerry a compelling choice for outdoor adventure and history. Kerry is Ireland’s fifth largest county by size (4,701 square km) and 15th largest by population (156,458). Population peaked at 293,880 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 112,785 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Kerry is Ireland’s fourth most visited tourist county with around 877,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
