Sneem
The Irish name for the town “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 comprises 2 squares, North and South.
There is a bridge in the middle of the village which if looked at from an aerial perspective acts as a knot between the two village squares. A less common explanation is that Sneem is the knot in the famed 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”.
About Sneem
- In March 1978 Sneem was the venue for the state funeral for former President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh who resided in the area prior to his death.
- Former French President Charles de Gaulle visited here on numerous occasions and there is a sculpture commemorating this in the village.
- The legendary Casey family of rowers and wrestlers were all from Sneem; the most famous was Steve ‘Crusher’ Casey who emigrated to America in 1936. He was both NWA and AWA heavyweight wrestling champion of the world a total of five separate times between 1938 and 1947. On one occasion he held the title for just a few weeks before being defeated. In 1982 he received the Irish Hall Of Fame Award, presented by Olympic gold medallist Ronnie Delany. There is a statue commemorating him in the village.
- In 2000, a time capsule was buried in the centre of the town. It will be opened in 2100.
South Kerry
Discover the best of South Kerry by exploring some of the highlights in the area.
