Sneem

Brightly painted houses and shops surround beautifully kept landscaped squares and gardens and being set amongst some of South West Kerry’s finest mountain and river scenery, Sneem has long been a favourite with day trippers and long-stay visitors alike.

The village of Sneem is a treasure trove of international sculpture, accessible to all, free of charge, throughout the year. The work of Vivienne Roche, Alan Hall, Tamara Rikman and a panda sculpture donated by the People’s Republic of China can be seen in various locations. Overlooking the Sneem River near St. Michael’s Church is ’The Way The Fairies Went’ - a collection of buildings designed by Kerry sculptor James Scanlon and built by local stoneworkers. The entire project was completed in 1989-90 and won the National Landscape Award in 1997, it is also home to a statue of ’The Goddess Isis’ donated by the people of Egypt. ’The Risen Christ’ by Brother Joseph McNally is located in the grounds of St. Michael’s Church and down near the river is the noted ’Garden of the Senses’ which is a thoughtfully laid-out, relaxing park full of beautiful flowers and shrubs.

Sneem is the capital of the South Kerry Geopark, a designated area of special geological interest - bordered by Kenmare Bay, and extending inland to the mountains to the north of Tahilla, Sneem, Castlecove and Caherdaniel. Within this area are myriad geological and manmade features which combine to make the area just as attractive to the dedicated geologist as to the casual tourist who simply appreciates the landscape around him. Ten peaks of over 500m reach down to sand and coral beaches via a series of rivers and lakes and there are a multitude of rare and protected plants, animals and birds in the area. The influence of humans on the landscape over the past 6000 years is everywhere to be seen including Prehistoric copper mines, medieval holy wells and ring forts.
The South Kerry Geofest is a three day event held annually in October, which celebrates the best of the Geopark with Walks, Tours, Workshops and Children’s Fun Events.
Every year, Sneem holds its renowned Sneem Family Festival in July, which is now a 5 day fun-filled event for all the family with a huge selection of activities from walks to fancy-dress to the highlight of the event which is the National Wife Carrying Competition. Nearby is the Kerry Alternative Technology Centre which runs many different courses on alternative energy, energy saving,organic gardening, blacksmithing and baking. The centre is also known for its annual KAT Music & Beer Festival held in August.

An tSnaidhm (Gaelic for ’the Knot’) is a beautiful holiday destination but it is also home to a vibrant and spirited community, known for their hospitality.