Garden of the Senses
A project by the FAS CE Scheme and Sneem Development Co-op Ltd.
This project was started in 2002, situated on a beautiful 2 acre site down Quay Road which was acquired by Sneem Development Co-operative in 1988. The garden was designed with the visually impaired and wheelchair users in mind. The National Council of the Blind advised the use of raised flower beds, stone kerbing for the visually impaired to tap with a stick as they walk along, wheelchair friendly paths, and the planting of textured and scented plants.
The garden is planted with a variety of trees and shrubs, both native and introduced. There are wild flowers in abundance and discreetly placed nesting boxes to ensure that plenty of birds frequent the garden filling the air with their song. On sunny days, a solar powered fountain adds the musical sound of water to this delightful environment.
There are two composting areas in the gardens, behind the polytunnel and at the outdoor allotments. Rainwater is stored in the big blue tank and used to water the beds in the polytunnel. We aim to garden organically without using herbicides or pesticides.
In 2021, Sneem began its journey to become a Neurodiversity-Friendly Village. Funded by the Community Support Fund 2021, a butterfly sensory panel was installed in the Garden which throws its colourful reflection onto the path and rotates to catch the sun.
In winter 2021, a mini orchard was planted consisting of 3 apples, a pear and a plum tree as part of the DCs for Bees project.
New signage was installed in 2022 as part of Sneem Sculpture Trail and River Walks signage project funded by LEADER. A Damp Garden was added in 2022 in boggy ground below the polytunnel with a mini-pond to attract more wildlife.
Sneem TidyTowns created a new Sally Garden beside the Willow Tunnel and planted slips of 6 different types of basketry willow. These will be used in willow weaving workshops and donated to locals who wish to grow their own.
In May 2024, we installed Outdoor Rainbow Chimes funded by Community Support Fund 2024, Sneem TidyTowns and Inclusive Sneem.
Sneem TidyTowns entered the Garden of the Senses for a Green Flag and were delighted to win their first Green Flag Community Award and also the Community Pollinator Award in 2024.
Sneem TidyTowns erected a bee post in the raised bed in April 2025, supplied by Irish Bee Conservation Project on the recommendation of one of the Green Flag judges.
