At Sneem, you only have to cross the bridge to get from one square to the other. In November, that short walk also takes you from a pub where anyone can have their say to a venue where storytellers from further afield share their repertoire. The Sneem International Storytelling & Folklore Festival returns from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 November 2026 for its 13th edition. For four days, this village on the Ring of Kerry turns the spoken word into a performance in which the audience can take part.
The Irish word seanchaí refers to a keeper of oral tradition. On the Iveragh Peninsula, stories travelled from house to house, at gatherings and fairs. The repertoire combined legends with memories of local people. The festival’s history recalls the work of folklore collectors, who recorded stories in villages across the peninsula. These archives preserved words and voices. In Sneem, you can still observe what a recording captures less easily: the way a story’s rhythm changes in response to the reactions of those listening.
The festival pays tribute to its founder, storyteller Batt Burns, with an evening inspired by the rambling house. The principle is simple. People gather, someone tells a story, and then somebody else follows with a tune or an anecdote. The story swaps bring that same freedom to a pub setting. You can come with a story to share or simply join the audience. For a first introduction to the festival, it is often the easiest format to try.
On Thursday, Paddy O’Brien opens the festival at Murphy’s Loft on South Square. The following day, he joins Cillian Brennan at Riney’s Bar to explore what Irish place names reveal about the landscape and the language. On Friday, Órla McGovern performs at Murphy’s Loft, while Senem Donatan Mohan takes a small group to hear stories in a barn nearby. This outing, called Yarns in the Barn, sets off from the Sneem Hotel. Booking is required, and you should bring sturdy footwear and a rain jacket. Friday continues at the Sneem Hotel with the Batt Burns’ Rambling House.
The programme also includes The Love Hungry Farmer, based on the work of John B. Keane, adapted and performed by Seamus O’Rourke, as well as a concert by the South Kerry Rosen Choir at St Michael’s Church. Children have their own events. On Sunday, Cillian Brennan tells them stories at the nursery on North Square, while local troupe Sneem DramSoc performs theatre at the community centre. The day continues with a story exchange at Riney’s Bar and a final meeting with the storytellers at Murphy’s Loft.
The official 2026 programme gives details of the venues and access arrangements. Its header confirms the festival’s four days, but the Saturday section heading displays an inconsistent date. For that day’s performances, confirm the times with the organiser’s ticket office.
Sneem’s two squares are home to several festival venues. If you are spending just one day in the village, combine a storytelling session with a story swap. The first gives you the chance to hear an artist develop a story, while the second lets you discover the tales that members of the audience choose to bring. If you are travelling with children, prioritise the sessions intended for them. The stories rely heavily on language and vocal performance. For visitors who are less confident in English, the concert offers another way in, while the session on place names provides an opportunity to hear Irish.
Sneem is a stop on the N70, between Kenmare and Waterville. If you are following the Ring of Kerry, leave yourself some daylight to walk along the river and see the works at Sneem Sculpture Park before the first session. For an evening at the pub or theatre, staying in the village means you can walk back to your accommodation.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
South Square et North Square, Sneem, Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, Tourist sites in Ireland
12 to 15 November 2026. Opens on Thursday at 8.30 pm and closes on Sunday at 3.45 pm at Murphy’s Loft. For Saturday, confirm the times with the organiser.
Check the opening hours and admission requirements before you leave, especially during peak season or on Irish public holidays.
Weekend pass: €75. Free sessions and donation-based events depending on the programme. Yarns in the Barn: €8 with booking. Rambling House: €20. The Love Hungry Farmer: €25.
