Myself my sister her daughter and husband and cousins were there it was great music and Billy was great our grandparents were born in Listowel and he knew our family...great great time!!! read more

Born in nearby Church Street in 1928, John B. Keane is something of a literary legend in Ireland. This pub which he took over in 1955 is still ran by his widow Mary & son Billy,(he passed away in 2002), It's almost a museum to the mans work, with posters of the countless stage productions & films, with many familiar actors, (The film of his play 'The Field' starring Richard Harris for one), but the best reflection of the man is that it's a hugely warm & lively, honest to goodness locals pub. Indeed apparently many of the colourful characters that have drank here over the years were source material for John B,s prolific output of poems, plays & novels. Much of the language in John B's work is skillfully naturalistic, and lyrical & witty with it, the sort of things you might still hear a couple of Kerry guys discuss when sat at the bar. "How would you know a Cork footballer? He's the one who thinks oral sex is talking about it!" I met Mary Keane, and she's a lovely, generous lady. Elderly, with such an enigmatic presence. Indeed you can tell she rules the roost no problem as she breezes in silence back & forth from a her private quarters to the bar. Though of course I don't know her well enough, but if you know John B's play 'Big Maggie', about a tough recently widowed mother of 4, then you might draw some interesting comparisons! With no prompting, she brought the small group I was with a large complementary plate of sandwiches to complement the excellently kept pints of Guinness, that were already going down a treat. Look out for the statue of John B, as you turn left out the pub & head down to Main street. NOTE: To find out more about John B. Keane's work visit the nearby 'Kerry Literary & Cultural Centre', which I have reviewed separately. read more

John B. Keane's Pub - A friendly greeting from John B.Keane's statue in Main St, Listowel - Bars Near Me - Listowel, Kentucky

The fun and atmosphere in this pub was far above anything I've seen in Ireland - and that's saying a lot. We attended the Pub Theater twice and loved every minute! Get there early to get a good seat in the back! read more

Came for the pub theater Wonderful time Billy Keane , Micky McConnell, Owen Horn and others This is a great evening event on Tuesday or Thursday for the summer. It stops just before the race weekend in September. It starts at about 10 and runs only an hour or so but a very worthwhile time and always interesting people to meet at this pub. read more

This is truly where you want to be when night falls in Listowel. Run by John B Keane's son Billy, the pub is cozy, friendly, and fun. Do your best to make it to a Pub Theatre night -- many laughs, tears, and hugs were shared. read more