Escape the ordinary and venture into the hidden gem of Sneem, nestled in the rugged wilderness of County Kerry. Hosted by the Sneem Walking Club the weekend promises off-the-beaten-track walks where you will explore the rugged peaks and glacial lakes of the Dunkerron Mountains, the spectacular coastline of Kenmare Bay and the banks of the Sneem River. Walks are offered for all abilities.

See more information for entertainment and accommodation on our website: Sneem Walking Weekend

Friday, 4th of October

18:00 - 20:30 Lománagh Loop Sunset Walk - Moderate - 20 Euro

A guided walk as the sun dips below the horizon along the famed Lománagh Loop in Sneem. A shortened route (approx. 8km) is perfect for those seeking a scenic and manageable walk. By traversing the loop in an anti-clockwise direction, we'll be facing westward during sunset, allowing you to witness the sky, hopefully, ablaze with vibrant colours as you walk. We’ll aim to return to Sneem village before dark but bring your head torch just in case for the final approach to the village.

What to Expect:

• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Sneem hinterland and GeoPark area and the surrounding mountains bathed in the golden hues of sunset.

• Expert guidance from our walking weekend leaders, highlighting the area's natural beauty and hidden gems.

• A moderate-difficulty walk of approximately 2.5 hours, suitable for those with a general level of fitness.

Leader: Fergal Harrington of Álaind Walking

Grade: B- Moderate - Walkers can expect to follow mostly paths and stoney trails with manageable cross-country sections with periods of gentle to moderate ascent on forest track.

20:30 - 21:30 Opening Night Special Offer Dinner at D O'Shea's Bar - 15 Euro

Whether you have just arrived in the village for the Walking Weekend or have just completed the Sunset Walk. Join us at D O'Shea's Bar for a special offer dinner and craic. A comfortable and modern pub with a sun terrace that maximises the fabulous view of the Sneem estuary.

Choose from: Kerry beef stroganoff with basmati and wild rice or Thai green chicken curry + basmati and wild rice or Homemade falafel burger with tomato, mayo, salad and sweet potato fries. 

Drinks not included.

Saturday, 5th of October

10:30 - 17:30 Knocknagantee Loop - Strenuous - 25 Euro

The Mountains Above Derrynagree - Knocknagantee, Coomnacronia and Knockmoyle.

This 13KM; 6+ hr walk starts in the Derrynagree valley adjacent to one of the Sneem River’s main tributaries. This river emerges from the spectacular Eagle’s Lake, an impressive coom lake with towering vertiginous cliff walls. Above the cliff lies Coomanassig Lake, from which a 130m high waterfall of the same name gushes into Eagles Lake below. 

A good hillwalking stamina is needed for the 350m ascent upwards to the mountain summits above. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with inspiring views of the lakes and waterfall below and over Sneem and across Kenmare Bay to the Caha Mountains and Beara coastline. Knocknagantee 676m and Coomnacronia 636m flank both sides of the waterfall and the third peak of Knockmoyle 684m lies approximately 2.5 Km to the North. The walk to and from Knockmoyle offers panoramic views across the low-lying central lands of Iveragh to the Dingle peninsula with lakes all around. The descent back to Derrynagree below reveals the beauty of the Sneem hinterland as it stretches out before you for the final section.

What to Expect:

• Wild and rugged glaciated landscapes, carved out of the 300m year old Dunkerron sandstone mountains.

• Steep-walled cooms and Sneem’s 130m tall waterfall. Kerry’s Lake District with coom and ribbon lakes aplenty.

• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Kerry GeoPark area, Kenmare Bay and hidden Iveragh regions.

• Expert guidance from your leaders, highlighting the area's natural beauty and hidden gems.

Grade: A - Strenuous - Walkers can expect open mountainsides, long grass, broken ground, exposed heights and extended periods of ascents.

Leader: Mike Murphy of Sneem Walking Club

10:30 - 17:00 Slievenashashka and Coomeenatierna Loop- Strenuous - 25 Euro

A 12 km strenuous walk with a 600m ascent into remote and wild areas of Sneem’s Dunkerron Mountains. Highpoints are the stunning Slievenashashka Lake, views into the middle of the Iveragh peninsula and Moneyflugh Valley.

Starting and finishing on the Lománagh Loop, walk leader Fergal Harrington will take you deep into the mountains as the Dunkerron’s spectacular glaciated geology starts to unveil itself.

Explaining the formation of this unique landscape and the features you should look out for along the walk will be Sneem Walking Club’s Geologist Ravit Yanay.

After visiting Slievenashashka Lake, we’ll ascend a gully in the steep coom wall to reach more spectacular Iveragh Peninsula vistas.

Climbing the heights of Coomeenatierna, we’ll get our first views of Sneem Village in the distance as we marvel at the valley of Moneyflugh below.

From the cairns at the summit, we’ll begin our descent to the forestry area of Lománagh Loop and walk to the bus pickup point.

What to Expect:

• Wild and rugged glaciated landscapes, carved out of the 380m year old Dunkerron sandstone mountains.

• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Kerry GeoPark area, Kenmare Bay and into hidden Iveragh regions.

• Expert guidance from your leaders, highlighting the area's natural beauty and hidden gems.

• A tough but rewarding challenge for those experienced in 5+ hours off-trail walking with good stamina and fitness.

Grade: A - Strenuous - Walkers Can Expect Open Mountainside, Long Grass, Broken Ground, Exposed Heights And Extended Periods Of Ascents.

Leader: Fergal Harrington of Álaind Walking

10:30 AM to 15:30 PM -  Sneem to Caherdaniel Walk - Moderate -  20 Euro

Experience a delightful section of the waymarked Kerry Way offering stunning coastal views, rugged hillside and peaceful grassy and farmland trails. 12 KM 4.5hrs 400m ascent.

This invigorating Kerry Way walk kicks off a little outside Sneem village. We'll soon leave the N70 Ring of Kerry Road behind as we step out onto the grassy trail of the Kerry Way. Here we begin ascending into the hills with stunning views of Kenmare Bay unfolding before us. The impressive Dunkerron Mountains shadow us now and will do for most of this walk. We're now entering the area known as Bohocogram with a small cluster of houses and farms. Be sure to have sturdy waterproof boots, as the track ahead can sometimes be boggy.

Over the next hill, we'll be quite close to the impressive Staigue Fort, a 1,500-year-old wonder standing proudly in its natural amphitheatre. However, standing on the walls of Staigue will have to be a visit for another day but you may catch a glimpse of it when looking back from the other side of the hill.

Further on, we'll pass Kilcrohane Church and its accompanying cemetery, boasting panoramic vistas of Castlecove and the distant landscape. The Church graveyard hosts a holy well and an altar, visited during the annual Saint Crohán's summer celebration. As we meander along the path, keep an eye out for Cáit na Pluaise's cave nestled below Coad Mountain, a poignant reminder of local history.

The sea views dominate this section and one can can see all the way out to Dursey island before cutting inland towards Coad Mountain. As the trail begins to descend into the valley on the approach to Caherdaniel, you'll be treated to one of the finest coastline views you'll find in Ireland - with Derrynane's white sands and clear waters shimmering in the light. The trail finishes in the village of Caherdaniel. Transport back to Sneem village will be provided.

Grade B - Moderate - Walkers can expect to follow mostly paths and stoney trails with manageable cross-country sections with short periods of ascent.

Leader: Michele Cooper-Fay of Sneem Walking Club

What to Expect:

• Wild and rugged coastal landscapes, where the 370m year old Dunkerron sandstone mountains sweep down to the sea.

• Breathtaking panoramic views of Kenmare Bay and the Atlantic coast.

• Expert guidance from your leaders, highlighting the area's natural beauty and hidden gems.

• A rewarding walk for those who like a moderate challenge. A couple of hills require reasonable stamina and fitness.

11:00 - 14:30 - Sneem to Glashnacree - Easy - 10 Euro

Delightful section of the Kerry way running between Sneem and Glashnacree beside Parknasilla. This out-and-back walk follows a recently upgraded surfaced section of the waymarked Kerry Trail passing through quiet lanes and farm track before rising over the hill with tranquil wooded areas on both sides.

Arriving in the Glashnacree area this trail gives you the opportunity to gaze across Kenmare Bay from the top of a small hill. You’ll be afforded wonderful views of the Cork Kerry border areas across the bay and the impressive Caha Mountain range running along the Beara Peninsula, all the way to Dursey Island.

The trail then winds its way through the rhododendron and woodland before rejoining the Kerry Way again as we retrace our steps back to Sneem village to take in the views in the opposite direction.

What to Expect:

• Wild and rugged coastal landscapes, where the 380m year old Dunkerron sandstone mountains sweep down to the sea.

• Breathtaking panoramic views of Kenmare Bay and the Atlantic coast.

• Expert guidance from your leaders, highlighting the area's natural beauty and hidden gems.

• A rewarding walk for those who like a moderate challenge. A couple of hills require reasonable stamina and fitness.

Grade: C - Easy - Walking on established paths no significant elevation, 2-3 hours.

Leader: Dave Fay of Sneem Walking Club

15:00 - 18:00 Sculpture Trail/Sneem River- Easy - 10 Euro

Short Walk around the Sneem Sculpture Trail and along both sides of Sneem River. You’ll get to see the many different aspects of Sneem including the estuary trail with the possibility of seeing many of Sneem’s varied flora and fauna. Weather permitting the walk will continue along the estuary shoreline to Sneem Hotel before returning to Sneem village.

The Sneem Sculpture Trail is a collection of statues and monuments that are located throughout the village of Sneem, around the fair greens and churches.

Grade -C- Easy - walking on established paths with no significant elevation duration 2-3 hours.

Sunday, 6th of October

10:00 - 14:00 Beann - Moderate -  20 Euro

This challenging walk is perfect for experienced walkers looking for a breathtaking Kerry summit experience. The route offers a mix of rough tracks and open mountainside, culminating in panoramic views across the peninsula.
The walk begins at Coomyanna Bridge and follows a rough track for the first section. We then leave the track and head cross-country to reach the first spot height 639m overlooking the dramatic ‘Pocket’ with its towering near-vertical 650m grassy walls. This scenic spot provides a perfect lunch break with stunning views. Transport from Sneem village to trailhead and back will be provided.

From here you’ll be able to see:

• Mullaghantattin to the east

• The Finnerraragh-Beann ridge to the west

• The Dunkerron Mountains to the west

Highlights:

• Challenging and rewarding route for experienced walkers

• The Pocket valley 650m below you

• Panoramic views across Kenmare Bay and beyond

• Diverse scenery, including rough tracks and open mountainside

Please note: This walk is suitable for experienced walkers only due to uneven terrain and some sections of open mountainside.

Leader: Mike Murphy of Sneem Walking Club

Grade: B- Moderate - Walkers can expect to follow mostly paths and stoney trails with manageable cross-country sections with extended moderate periods of ascent.

10:00 - 15:00 Beann Mountain 752m (Top 100 Irish Peaks) - Strenuous - 25 Euro

This challenging walk is perfect for experienced walkers looking for a breathtaking Kerry summit experience. The route offers a mix of rough tracks and open mountainside, culminating in panoramic views across the peninsula. Transport from Sneem village to trailhead and back will be provided.

The walk begins at Coomyanna Bridge and follows a rough track for the first section. We then leave the track and head cross-country to reach the first spot height 639m overlooking the dramatic ‘Pocket’ with its towering near-vertical 650m grassy walls. This scenic spot provides a perfect lunch break with stunning views. The route continues from the lunch stop towards the top of Beann. We'll conquer the 250m long ridge at the summit, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views across the peninsula. From the top, you'll be able to see:

• Cloon Lake to the north-west

• Macgillicuddys Reeks to the north.

• Mullaghantattin to the east

• The Finnerraragh-Beann ridge to the west

• The Dunkerron Mountains to the west

Highlights:

• Challenging and rewarding route for experienced walkers

• The Pocket valley 650m below you

• Panoramic views across the peninsula

• Opportunity to summit Beann 752m - Top 100 Irish Peaks

• Diverse scenery, including rough tracks and open mountainside

Please note: This walk is suitable for experienced walkers only due to uneven terrain and some sections of open mountainside.

Grade: A - Strenuous - Walkers can expect to follow mostly paths and stoney trails with manageable cross-country sections with extended periods of steep ascent.

Leader: Fergal Harrington of Álaind Walking

10:00 - 12:00 Sculpture Trail/Sneem River- Easy

Short Walk around the Sneem Sculpture Trail and along both sides of Sneem River. You’ll get to see the many different aspects of Sneem including the estuary trail with the possibility of seeing many of Sneem’s varied flora and fauna. Weather permitting the walk will continue along the estuary shoreline to Sneem Hotel before returning to Sneem village.

The Sneem Sculpture Trail is a collection of statues and monuments that are located throughout the village of Sneem, around the fair greens and churches. 

Grade -C- Easy - walking on established paths with no significant elevation duration 2-3 hours.

FOR ALL WALKS: 
Be Prepared:

• Walking poles: These will provide added stability and support on uneven terrain.

• Waterproof boots: Essential for navigating potentially muddy or wet sections of the path.

• Head torch: For safe walking during the final stretch after sunset.

• Comfortable outdoor clothes with extra warm layers in a backpack with sufficient water, food and/or snacks.

This event is for over 18s only.

Cancellation Policy:

By you (guest):

• Full refund: Up to 7 days before the walk.

By Sneem Walking Club (organiser):

• Full refund: In case of cancellation due to inclement weather (e.g., heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms).

Disclaimer: Sneem Walking Club recognises that hillwalking is an activity with a danger of personal injury or even death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement (See full disclaimer at checkout).