Self-guided walking trail
Sneem Sculpture Trail
Sculptures woven through the village — sporting heroes, political history, folklore, faith and international friendships, all set against the Ring of Kerry.
Start at South Square
Begin on the village green. The trail loops gently through both squares, across the bridge and back — allow around an hour at a relaxed pace. Public toilets are available at the Sneem Events Office.
Map Legend
1. President Ó Dálaigh Memorial2. Pyramids (The Way the Fairies Went)3. Saint Michael's Church (R.C.)4. The Risen Christ5. Barbecue6. Garden of the Senses7. The Peaceful Panda8. Steve 'Crusher' Casey9. Church of the Transfiguration (C. of I.)10. The Millennium Seat11. Tree of Light12. Charles de Gaulle Monument13. Playground14. River Walk
Trail Stops
1. President Ó Dálaigh Memorial
A steel structure by Cork sculptor Vivienne Roche, unveiled in 1983 in memory of former Irish President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, who lived his last year in Sneem. The form recalls the village's mountainous surroundings and megalithic structures.
Open2. The Way the Fairies Went (Pyramids)
Four pyramid-shaped stone sculptures by James Scanlon (c.1989–1990), inspired by Staigue Fort, local folklore and the 'siodh ghaoth' (fairy wind), celebrating the village's 1987 Tidy Towns win.
4. The Risen Christ
A bronze religious sculpture by De La Salle Brother and artist Joseph McNally, presented to the village by Dermot Kinlen S.C.
7. The Peaceful Panda
A marble panda gifted by the People's Republic of China in 1986 in gratitude to President Ó Dálaigh for his role in supporting China's entry to the United Nations — a symbol of friendship between the two nations.
8. Steve 'Crusher' Casey
A bronze of Sneem's most famous son — World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion from 1938, undefeated for nine years, and one of seven brothers known as 'the toughest family on earth'.
Open9. Gobnait Ní Bhruadair's Grave
The Celtic headstone of Lady Albinia Broderick — English aristocrat turned Irish Republican, member of Cumann na mBan and Sinn Féin, who built a hospital in West Cove for the poor of the parish.
Open10. The Millennium Seat
A stone time capsule marking the year 2000, containing letters and objects placed inside by Sneem villagers — to be opened again in 2100.
11. Tree of Light
The third piece of art erected in memory of President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, unveiled by Chaim Hertzog, President of Israel, on 19 June 1985. A work by Israeli sculptor Tamara Rikman, it symbolises the friendship between the people of Ireland and the people of Israel.
12. Memorial to Charles de Gaulle
A limestone boulder with a bronze plaque by Alan Hall, commemorating the former French President's 1969 visit to Sneem in search of peace and reflection after his resignation. Bears his famous words about Ireland.
John Egan Memorial
Life-size bronze by Valentia sculptor Alan Hall, unveiled in 2017, honouring the Tahilla-born Kerry footballer — six All-Ireland titles, five All-Stars and one of the all-time greats.
OpenStatue of Isis
A bust of the Egyptian goddess of protection, motherhood and healing — gifted to the people of Ireland by the people of Egypt and presented by Ambassador H.E. Hussein Mesharafa on 10 July 1993.
"At this grave moment of my long life, I found here what I sought, to be face to face with myself. Ireland gave me that, in the most delicate, the most friendly way." — Charles de Gaulle, on Sneem