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Discover the magic of Sneem and surroundings! Sneem Village is "The Knot" in the Ring of Kerry, located between Waterville and Kenmare. The town is cosy and busy with shops, pubs, restaurants and a diversity of activities. Sneem is well known for its colourful houses, shops & pubs, beautiful surroundings, and the hospitality of the people. In the evening the pubs in Sneem are the place to be to enjoy local food and live Irish music after a busy day!
Sneem is situated on the famous Ring of Kerry, a mystical and unspoilt area of spectacular beauty, with mystic mountains, small bendy roads, and some of the finest beaches in Europe. The Ring of Kerry also provides insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland with the Iron Age Forts, Ogham Stones & old Monasteries.
Info on this page: About Sneem / Festivals & Events / Garden of the Senses / Restaurants & Pubfood
ABOUT SNEEM
Sneem is situated on the Ring of Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. It lies on the estuary of the River Sneem. National route N70 runs through the village. The population of the village is approximately 600 people, however for such a small village there is a lot to see and do in the village and surroundings! There are 6 pubs in Sneem, 3 restaurants (and two pubs that serve delicious food), and several shops.
The Irish name for the village “An tSnaidhm” translates into the English “The Knot”. There are several explanations as to why a “knot” would be relevant for this small Kerry Village. First, and most obviously, the Sneem River flows through the village and it is said that a knot-like swirling takes place when the river meets the currents of Kenmare Bay in the estuary just below the village. Sneem Village compromises two squares. There is a bridge in the middle of the village which acts as a knot between the two villages. A less common explanation is that Sneem is the knot in the famous Ring of Kerry scenic tourist drive. In order to complete the Ring of Kerry one must pass through the village of Sneem so therefore Sneem could be viewed as “the knot”
The village of Sneem is a treasure trove of international sculpture, accessible to all, free of charge. The goddess Issess, donated by the people of Egypt, stands at “the way the fairies went”. “The way the fairies went” is a collection of buildings overlooking the Sneem River. It was financed by the arts Council of Ireland as a result of Sneem winning the National Tidy Towns Awards in 1987. The legendary Casey family of rowers and wrestlers were all from Sneem, the most famous of whom "Steve 'Crusher' Casey" was undefeated heavyweight wrestling champion of the world 1938-1947. There is a statue commemorating him in the village. Former French President Charles de Gaulle visited Sneem on numerous occasions and there is a sculpture commemorating this in the village.
In 2000 a time capsule was buried in the centre of the village. It will be opened in 2100.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN SNEEM
17th MARCH / ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Sometime between 463 and 493 a man now known as St Patrick died on the 17th of March in Ireland. Patrick had traveled to Ireland to convert the pagan Celts to Christianity. He picked a Shamrock from the ground and used its three leaves to explain the premise of the Holy Trinity to the druids and the king. His explanation was accepted and he was given the king's blessing to spread Christianity around Ireland. Patrick became the patron saint of Ireland, and the anniversary of his death is celebrated all over the world as St Patrick's Day. In Sneem St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a parade, market and much more!
JULY / FAMILY FESTIVAL
The 5 day Sneem Family Festival offers attractions for all ages. Organized walks, a Crate Climbing competition, Laughter Yoga, Barbecue, Race Night, Craft & Country Market, Live Music on Stage, and much more. In 2008 & 2009 the Sneem Festival was the venue for the Irish Wife Carrying Championship. For the children there is also a lot to do, Horse Riding, Animal Roadshow, Fishing Competition, Circus Skills Workshop, a Puppet Show, and so on.
AUGUST / BEER TASTING FESTIVAL
At the annual Beer Tasting Festival you can sample Beers, Stouts, Lagers, Cides & Ales from the small breweries of Ireland as well as several other countries famous for their beer. Come and taste the difference!
OCTOBER / WALKING FESTIVAL (BIANNUAL)
The Walking Festival is aimed at the outdoor enthusiast with an interest in culture, heritage, wildlife and the arts. The festival is held on the Iveragh Peninsula on the October Bank Holiday weekend. The towns and villages in the area have worked together to produce a comprehensive programme of events that will take place in Sneem, Caherdaniel, Castlecove, Waterville, Ballinskelligs, Blackwater, Portmagee, Knightstown, Valentia Island and Cahersiveen. The South Kerry Geofest is a festival which resonates with the unique beauty, charm and local character of South Kerry. The comprehensive programme will take you to magical places, hidden treasures and spectacular settings The region is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, colourful villages, magnificent archeological sites and vibrant nightlife where the locals will extend their legendary welcome.
GARDEN OF THE SENSES
This beautiful garden is situated on the Sneem Pier Road. The garden is a true oasis and only a minute walk from the village.
RESTAURANTS & PUBFOOD
| Guesthouse Stone House Restaurant | Sacre Coeur Restaurant | D. O’Shea’s Bar & Restaurant |
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064-6645188 |
064-6645186 | 064-6645515 |
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| Sneem Hotel / Restaurant | The Blue Bull Bar & Restaurant | The Hungry Knight Fastfood |
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064-6675100 |
064-6645382 |
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| The Village Kitchen Tearoom | The Riverside Tearoom | |
| 064-6645281 | 064-6645498 | |
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