Sneem River

The community of Sneem is very connected to their local water bodies with the Sneem River flowing from the catchments through the centre of the village out into Kenmare Bay. As a traditional community of farmers and fishersmen, we have a strong appreciation of the importance of healthy natural waters. Our tourism industry is underpinned by the beauty of the surrounding mountains, rivers and the sea with stunning views from Sneem Bridge, Sneem Quay and the Kerry Way.

Over the years Sneem TidyTowns has developed river walks along both sides of Sneem river which are managed as long flowering meadows with native birch, alder and willow trees. During the summer you can spot the rare blue-eyed grass and orchids as well as purple loosestrife, knapweed, meadowsweet and many other nature wildflowers which inhabit traditional meadows.

Sneem river was a haven for wildlife, with salmon, trout, the rare and endangered freshwater pearl mussel, otters, kingfishers, little egrets and more recently the white-tailed sea-eagles.

In 2024, Sneem Tidy Towns commissioned a River Safari and Water Management report with funding from LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme) which will guide us in our future efforts to protect and enhance our Blue Dot water bodies. The report gives a comprehensive description of the current known status of the water bodies in the vicinity of Sneem along with analysis of potential pressures and risks to water quality. This gives a road map for the community in their efforts to protect their local waters from simple local measures such as raingardens and rainwater harvesting to catchment wide campaigns to protect riparian zones by limiting agricultural and forestry impacts.