‘An Turas Mór – Homecoming Kerry’ is a county wide initiative to bring home our Kerry Diaspora this October. We welcome tourists to our county with a Céad Míle Fáilte and a “sure come away home” to all Kerry people far and wide. More information on An Turas Mór – Homecoming Kerry
1. FRIDAY 21st OCTOBER
(A) LAUNCH EVENT : 2.30PM – 7PM
An Afternoon of events to Launch the Gathering at the famous Kerry Writers Museum in Listowel.
2:30pm Genealogist & Historian (Kay Caball – My Kerry Ancestors) along with Sean Quinlan – Local Historian (The Great Book of Kerry).
4pm Family Tree Sharing – Bring along your Family Tree to see if we can make some connections!
5:00pm Official Opening – The Mayor of Kerry along with local Politicians will officially open the 2022 Gathering with refreshments.
6pm Spectacle Mór – participation & presentation of the Family at the ‘Spectacle Mór’ outdoor Festival in Listowel/Ballybunion.
2. SATURDAY 22nd OCTOBER
(A) ANCESTRAL COACH TRIP #1 :10AM – 3PM
Coach trip with local Historian / Guide commences at Glin Castle to meet the family of the Knight of Glin; Catherine Fitzgerald whos families history in Glin is traced back to the 1200’s. Then its along the Shannon to Carrigafoyle Castle (O’Connor Stronghold) & Lislaughtin Abbey (Ballylongford) where Lord of Kerry Iraghticonnor was buried in 1485 & Thomas FitzGerald, heir of the Knight of Glin was buried there in 1567 after his execution. Onto Ballybunion Castle which was the coastal promontory fort of the Clann O’ Connor and later a Geraldine Stronghold. Lunch at Iragh Ti Connor’s finishing off with a return to Listowel and the 15th Centuary Fitzgerald stronghold of Listowel Castle.
***** Note: You MUST book before September 14th to guarantee entry to the Glin & Listowel Castles ****
(B) CLAN DINNER – 6PM – 11PM
The Rose Hotel, Tralee will host the Chieftain’s reception, followed by dinner and entertainment from ‘The Spirit of Ireland’ traditional Irish Dance show followed by Ceili where you will learn some Irish Dancing & play an Instrument.
3 . SUNDAY 23rd OCTOBER
(A) ANCESTRAL & SPIRITUAL COACH TRIP #2 : 10AM – 6PM
12pm – Service at St. James Church in Dingle where The Treaty of Dingle was signed on 28 April 1529, by the Earl of Desmond, James Fitzgerald and the envoy of the holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, King of Spain PLUS stand in graveyard and the Fitzgerald Tombstones dating back to 1504. Spend some time in the quaint town of Dingle & a visit to Dingle Distillary
3pm Official Family Photograph
3.30pm Scattering Lunch at Dingle Skellig Hotel before a trip back to Tralee.