Sneem International Storytelling & Folklore Festival 2026
Why it matchesThis festival in Sneem has storytelling, lectures, and performances for all ages. Children have their own events, and adults can enjoy plays and a choir concert.
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All ages · up to 60 min · any budget
Why it matchesThis festival in Sneem has storytelling, lectures, and performances for all ages. Children have their own events, and adults can enjoy plays and a choir concert.
Why it matchesThis festival celebrates Castletownbere's maritime history with live music, seafood, cultural displays, and water activities. There will be a world record attempt to pull a 1,000-tonne tug.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch sheepdog demonstrations and sheep shearing, or help bottle feed lambs. There are also mountain walks, a puzzle walk, and a treasure trail.
Why it matchesVisit a 200-year-old cottage and traditional farm with animals. See famine ruins and an ancient sun calendar. You can join a guided tour to try traditional farm jobs like turf cutting, sheep shearing, butter churning, and weaving.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore a Victorian mansion, see traditional crafts, wander through gardens, and experience 1930s/40s farm life with recreated buildings and daily farming practices.
Why it matchesWatch skilled sheepdogs gather sheep from the hills and learn about the dogs and the Scottish blackface sheep. Tom O'Sullivan, a champion handler, will answer questions.
Why it matchesFamilies can meet and feed farm animals like deer, pigs, and lambs, both indoors and outdoors. There are also playgrounds for children to enjoy.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch a stage show of The Three Little Pigs, with music, dancing, and surprises. It is a feel-good show with catchy songs and dance moves.
Why it matchesFamilies can attend this event where children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The doors open at 12:00pm.
Why it matchesTake a guided motorised kayaking tour along Kenmare Bay to see the scenery and wildlife. You can choose a fishing or wildlife tour.
Why it matchesSee a replica creamery and learn about old milking methods. Meet farm animals and let the children play in the farm-themed playground. There is a tea room with home baking.
Why it matchesSee a peregrine falcon called S 00e9an fly and catch a lure, with the Gap of Dunloe and Carrauntoohil as a backdrop. A good chance to take some photos.
Why it matchesHire a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore Bantry Bay. You might spot dolphins and seals. Guided tours and lessons are also available.
Why it matchesRent bikes, including electric bikes, children's bikes, and child seats, to explore the Kerry countryside and Skellig coast at your own pace. Helmets and high-vis jackets are included.
Why it matchesGleninchaquin Park is a family-run park and farm in a valley on the Beara Peninsula. You can walk trails through streams and woodlands, see a 140m waterfall, and enjoy the lakes. There are picnic spots too.
Why it matchesExplore mountains, lakes, and gardens at Killarney National Park. You can walk, cycle, or visit Muckross House. Look out for red deer in the park.
Why it matchesExplore these gardens with plants from around the world, including a tree-fern forest. You can cross Ireland's longest rope bridge, and spot eight dinosaur sculptures made from fallen trees.
Why it matchesRent a kayak, canoe, or rowboat in Adrigole harbour to see a seal colony. No experience is needed. For more adventure, take a live-aboard sailing trip to explore the coast and its wildlife.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Bere Island, seeing ancient sites, Martello towers, and the Heritage Centre. You can walk, cycle, or take part in water activities like boat trips, fishing, and swimming.
Why it matchesTake a boat trip around Kenmare Bay and look out for seals, dolphins, and other wildlife. You will see the Caha Mountains and Macgillycuddy Reeks from the water.
Why it matchesExplore over 60 acres of gardens with 12km of paths, spotting rare plants and wildlife like Sika deer and sea eagles. Enjoy views of the harbour and mountains, then have a picnic or cream tea.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Gap of Dunloe by walking, cycling, or taking a jaunting car through the mountain pass. There are also boat trips on the Lakes of Killarney.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore the Lakes of Killarney, which are within Killarney National Park. You can see historic sites like Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle, and enjoy the natural beauty of the islands, woods, and waterfalls.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry trip from Blue Pool to Garnish Island and explore the tropical gardens there. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes.
Why it matchesFamilies can watch boats in the harbour, admire the buildings, or walk through the ancient oak forests along the coastline.
Why it matchesTake a relaxing hour-long boat trip on Lough Leane, Killarney's biggest lake. You will see O'Sullivan's Cascade and the monastic ruins on Inishfallen Island, with chances to spot wildlife.
Why it matchesTake a relaxing boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney in a modern, heated watercoach. See Ross Castle, Innisfallen Island, and the MacGillycuddy Reeks, with commentary from your local captain.
Why it matchesTake a short boat trip to Garinish Island and explore the gardens. You will see plants from all over the world, with different flowers blooming depending on the time of year.
Why it matchesSee the statue of King Puck, a goat, which marks a festival in Killorglin. The festival has family activities and music, and the goat is crowned by a local girl.
Why it matchesTake a one-hour carriage ride through Killarney National Park, seeing lake and mountain views. The carriages are covered and have blankets to keep you warm.
Why it matchesTake a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle. You will see the Red Deer and learn about the local history.
Why it matchesTake a private horse-drawn carriage tour through Killarney National Park, seeing Loch Leane, the McGillycuddy Reeks, and red deer. You will stop at Ross Castle.
Why it matchesTake a one-hour boat trip on Loch Léin in Killarney National Park. The boat is covered and heated. There is live commentary about the local history and folklore.
Why it matchesFamilies can walk along Pontoon Pier and enjoy the sea air, or take a boat trip from here to Bere Island to explore its history.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry to Whiddy Island and explore its unique nature and wildlife. Look for fuchsia and insect-eating plants, or visit the Napoleonic fort. You can also relax by the lakes and watch for birds.
Why it matchesTake a car and passenger ferry to Bere Island. It's a chance to see the island and the bay from the water.
Why it matchesTake the ferry to Bere Island and explore. You can walk or cycle around the island, enjoying the views of the Beara Peninsula mountains.
Why it matchesThis outdoor gallery has 150 information panels on Valentia Island Slate and over 300 photos about South Kerry's heritage, culture, and nature. There are picnic benches with views of Waterville and Ballinskelligs Bay.
Why it matchesSee the bronze statue of Charlie Chaplin, a famous silent movie actor, in Waterville. He and his family used to holiday here. The statue looks out over Ballinskelligs Bay.
Why it matchesThis large bronze sculpture in Waterville is a tribute to explorers and seafarers. It features a sundial and depicts a boat emerging from the sea.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore Bere Island, enjoying its scenery and historical sites like Martello towers and forts. It is good for walking and cycling, and the community is very welcoming.
Why it matchesTake a ferry to Bere Island to explore its walking trails, military heritage sites, and enjoy views of the Slieve Miskish and Caha Mountains. Tickets are bought on board.
Why it matchesThis is an art gallery, cafe and gardens. You can see Annabel Langrish's art, walk around the gardens, and have a coffee, scone or lunch.
Why it matchesWander through the woods from Glengarriff village to find the tidal Blue Pool. You can dip your feet in the rock basin and explore the forest trails for views of the harbour.
Why it matchesFamilies can explore an exotic garden with many types of bamboo, palms, and tropical plants. There are paths to wander and views of Glengarriff Harbour, plus some mysterious old stone pillars.
Why it matchesStep back in time at the Kerry Bog Village Museum to see how people lived in the 18th century. Learn about turf harvesting and traditional Kerry life.
Why it matchesTake a short ferry trip to this island garden and explore the unique plants and architecture. You might even spot seals and sea eagles on the way.
Why it matchesTake a jaunting car, bike, or walk through the Muckross Demesne to Dinis, seeing Muckross Abbey, Muckross House and Gardens, and Torc Waterfall. The round trip is about 21km.
Why it matchesThis is a spot to take in the views over Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island. It is a rocky landscape with native heathland.
Why it matchesFamilies can take a walk through the gardens and enjoy views of the Lower Lake. There is a tearoom for a break. The education centre is in Knockreer House.
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