A Guide To Sneem In Kerry: Things To Do, Accommodation, Food + More

If you’re debating staying in Sneem in Kerry, you’ve landed in the right place.

Surrounded by mountains, the gorgeous village of Sneem is a great spot to base yourself along the Ring of Kerry.

Especially if you’re looking to dodge the crowds (it’s nice and quiet here) and soak up the small-town vibe.

In the guide below, you’ll discover everything from things to do in Sneem to where to eat, sleep and drink in this colourful little village.

Some quick need-to-knows before you visit Sneem in Kerry

Although a visit to Sneem in Kerry is nice and straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Around 45 km from Killarney, Sneem is situated at the estuary of the River Sneem on the south of Iveragh Peninsula. It’s surrounded by mountains, rolling hills, and waterways, and if you follow the river south, it spills into the nearby Kenmare Bay.

2. Name

The Irish name for Sneem, An tSnaidhm, translates to ‘the knot’. There are a number of theories as to how the name came about.

The most common explanation is that the town consists of a north and south square, linked together by a small bridge over the river. When seen from above, the bridge serves as the knot that ties the town together.

3. Ring of Kerry town

Sneem is one of the quieter Ring of Kerry towns and it makes a great place to tackle the route from. It’s just a little under halfway around the ring. As a result, there are plenty of things to do in Sneem and there are an endless number of places to visit in Kerry close by. 

A very brief history of Sneem

The small village of Sneem has long been associated with a more remote and relaxed way of life. It was historically a maritime town and used to have a fairly busy harbour, though this no longer functions. 

The two squares, as well as the roads between, both showcase a number of quaint stone cottages and houses, some of which date back hundreds of years.

Nowadays, these mostly operate as shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes, guesthouses, and homes for the locals. Tourism has become a major part of life in the town, though it still manages to retain its village charm and strong local character.

Over the years, many people have visited and subsequently fallen in love with Sneem. Most prominent is perhaps the former French President Charles de Gaulle, who now has a monument dedicated to him in the north square.

If you check some of the local shops, you’ll find a book called ‘Sneem, the Knot in the Ring’, which delves into the local history.

Things to do in Sneem (and nearby)

Although there are a handful of things to do in Sneem, the biggest attraction of the village (aside from its charm!) is that it’s a stone’s throw from many Ring of Kerry highlights.

Sneem is absolutely gorgeous, and you could easily spend a week enjoying the sights nearby. Whenever I’m in the area, here’s what I like to do.

1. Grab a coffee and soak up the scenery

On a fair morning, there’s nothing better than sitting out in front of one of the cafes or pubs with a nice cup of coffee. You’ll find some superb coffee in the village as well, which we’ll discuss later.

The fresh air, the sound of the river, the people passing by, and the mountains looming in the distance all add to the experience, and it’s one of the best ways to unwind from the rigours of ‘real life’!

2. Sink a pint in O’Shea’s — one of the brightest pubs on the Wild Atlantic Way

 

Of course, coffee is great to start the day, but a pint or two in O’Shea’s is a real joy, especially after a long drive or a day of walking.

We’ll take a closer look at the pub below but suffice to say it’s a firm favourite and always offers a warm welcome and friendly atmosphere.

This is arguably one of my favourite things to do in Sneem, and it’s made all the more enjoyable if you’ve spent a long day hiking.

3. Take a spin to Derrynane Beach (31-minute drive)

Although there are plenty of beaches near Sneem, few compare to the wonderful Derrynane Beach.

Now, a warning – although the water here looks inviting, there are several no-swim zones due to strong currents, so beware.

4. Step back in time at Staigue Stone Fort (24-minute drive)

Take a small detour off the Ring of Kerry, and after following some small, windy roads, you’ll arrive at Staigue Stone Fort.

This is one of my favourite ancient stone ring forts, and it dates back to around 350 AD. Off the beaten track, it’s peaceful and remote and well worth the short drive if you’re staying in Sneem.

5. Take a drive along the coast to Kenmare Town

Kenmare is just over 25 km from Sneem, and it’s worth checking out. It’s a historic little town that’s a joy to stroll around!

There are heaps of things to do in Kenmare, and there are plenty of great restaurants in Kenmare to nip into.

6. And add in a visit to Killarney, if you fancy!

Killarney is the largest town on the Ring of Kerry and also the official start and finish point. It’s another spectacular town to visit, packed full of things to do.

Perched on the edge of the Killarney National Park, there are also plenty of opportunities to get out into nature.

7. Experience the very unique Ballaghbeama Gap

There are several mountain passes in Ireland, all are spectacular in their own ways, but sometimes they can be just a little too popular, especially in high season.

That’s not the case with the Ballaghbeama Gap, a remote and tranquil pass that is almost otherworldly in its rugged, natural beauty.

Sneem hotels and accommodation

OK, now that we’ve covered the different things to do in Sneem and some of the things to see near the village, it’s time to tackle accommodation in Sneem.

From the well-known Sneem Hotel (one of our favourite hotels in Kerry, as it happens!) to lesser-known guesthouses and B&Bs, you’ll find some mighty accommodation options in Sneem below.

Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we’ll make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

Guesthouses and B&Bs

If you prefer not to do the cooking while you’re away, there are plenty of guesthouses and b&bs that offer excellent rooms and gorgeous breakfasts.

Many of these can be found in the town, though there are a number of places a short walk away as well. Expect a warm Irish welcome and friendly hosts who won’t hesitate to help out with any queries you might have.

See what B&Bs are available in Sneem

Hotels and Resorts

Looking to be pampered? The Sneem Hotel is one of the most popular Ring of Kerry hotels for good reason (there’s also incredible views from the property). 

Expect sea views, excellent food, cosy rooms, and a wealth of other facilities that will ensure a luxurious stay in Sneem.

See what hotels are available in Sneem

Sneem Pubs

Few things beat having a pint at the end of the day in one of Sneem’s friendly pubs.

The town also lends itself to an easy-going pub crawl. Here are some of my top choices.

1. D O’Shea’s

For many, D O’Shea’s is the beating heart of Sneem, a vibrant pub that serves up a fine array of food and drinks featuring local brews and freshly caught seafood.

Inside, it’s picture-perfect. In fact, several Sneem postcards feature it, with roaring fireplaces, natural stone walls, and wood panel finishes. 

There are several nooks and crannies if you crave peace and quiet or sit up at the bar where you’re bound to get chatting to someone.

On a good day, the patio is great, and there are some seats out front too. The pub also hosts a number of events, such as live music and BBQ days.

2. Riney’s Bar & Beer Garden

Riney’s offers a lively atmosphere and an amazing beer garden, probably one of the best in Ireland. They have a good selection of beers, including some local options, as well as decent food.

If you’re lucky, they’ll be hosting one of their legendary hog roasts or BBQs in the garden, an event that is guaranteed to lure the locals and visitors alike. Inside is fantastic as well, with a bustling bar, fireplaces, and quirky decor.

3. Dan Murphy’s Bar

This is one of the best pubs not just in Sneem, but along the entire Ring of Kerry. Dan Murphy’s Bar is full of character and guarantees great craic.

Regular live and impromptu music sessions add to the atmosphere, and it doesn’t take long until the entire pub is singing along.

Inside is fantastic, with bars and furniture made from reclaimed wood, charming decor, and roaring fireplaces. The outdoor seating is great on a sunny day, and it’s all too easy to spend many hours enjoying a few pints.

Sneem Restaurants and Cafes

If you’ve just spent a day ticking off the many different things to do in Sneem, then chances are you’ll have worked up an appetite. 

When hunger strikes, you’ve got plenty of choices for some fantastic grub in Sneem. Here are some of the best.

1. The Blue Bull

The Blue Bull offers a good selection of traditional Irish dishes, as well as incredibly fresh, locally caught seafood. From shepherd’s pie to Kenmare Bay mussels, there’s something for every taste.

Plus, with a number of vegetarian options and a kid’s menu, no one is left out. The family-run restaurant is fairly small, adding to the warm atmosphere. On a sunny day, their beer garden is ideal for a pint with lunch or coffee and cake.

2. Sacre Coeur Restaurant

Snug and cosy, Sacre Coeur was one of the first restaurants in Sneem to cater to passing travellers, opening back in the 1960s.

From day one, the owners focussed on fresh, local produce, with meat procured from local butchers, vegetables grown in Ireland, and freshly caught seafood from mere miles away.

To this day, the standard hasn’t dropped, and the small boutique restaurant offers excellent value and a range of delicious meals.

3. Kelly’s Bakery

Kelly’s is a real treat and a must-visit in Sneem. It’s my favourite place to grab a cup of coffee — one of the best in Kerry — and a sausage roll or a cake.

The family-run bakery, deli, and coffee shop was opened in 1955 by Dan and Daisy Kelly. Nowadays, their children run the place, but at 80 odd, Dan still bakes the bread each day and delivers it around the village.

The homemade baking is divine, while the choice of Irish cheese and meat from the deli is worth exploring too. Oh, and the coffee, don’t forget to enjoy a cup!

4. The Village Kitchen 

The Village Kitchen on Bridge Street is one of my favourite places to stop for lunch. They serve traditional Irish fare expertly done and served with the type of care and attention you’d expect to find at a high-end restaurant. 

Enjoy a bowl of homemade vegetable soup with wholemeal bread or feast on decadently crispy fish and chips.

There’s also a good selection of vegan, veggie, and gluten-free options as well, so there’s really something for everyone. Feel free to drop by if you are looking for a light bite. Their scones and coffee are divine! 

FAQs about visiting Sneem in Kerry

Since mentioning the town in a guide to Kerry that we published several years ago, we’ve had hundreds of emails asking bout everything from things to do in Sneem to where to stay.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Are there many things to do in Sneem?

While there are only a handful of things to do in Sneem, there’s endless places to visit very close to the village, which makes it a great base to explore Kerry from.

Is it worth basing yourself in Sneem when visiting Kerry?

Yes – especially if you want to dodge the crowds and experience a proper old Irish town that’s surrounded by magnificent scenery. You can spend the day ticking off the different things to do in Sneem and then night eating and, if you fancy, experiencing the local pub scene. 

What are the best places to stay in Sneem?

The Sneem Hotel is a great shout, if you fancy a hotel, but there are also plenty of guesthouses and B&Bs available, too (see the links above).