12th – 15th November | Sneem, Ring of Kerry
Welcome to the heart of the 13th Sneem International Storytelling & Folklore Festival. Over four wonderful days, Sneem comes alive with stories, music, theatre, folklore, history, and community spirit. From intimate fireside storytelling sessions and fascinating lectures to family events, live music, and theatre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Browse the full programme below and start planning your weekend of stories, culture, and craic in the heart of Kerry.
Thursday 12th November – Festival Opening
8.30 pm — Murphy’s Loft Session
Murphy’s Loft, South Square | Free
Join us for the opening of the festival as stories, music, and laughter fill Murphy’s Loft. Bring your instruments, your voice, and your favourite tale. Hosted by storyteller Paddy O’Brien, this relaxed gathering sets the tone for a memorable festival weekend.
Friday 13th November – Stories, Language & Tradition
11.30 am — Irish Place Names
📍 Riney’s Bar, South Square | Free
A fun and engaging session with Paddy O’Brien and Cillian Brennan, exploring the meanings and stories behind Irish place names while learning a little Irish along the way.
1.00 pm — Yarns in the Barn
📍 Meet at Sneem Hotel | €8.00
Join Senem Donatan Mohan for a storytelling adventure in a traditional barn nestled in the foothills outside Sneem. Walking shoes and rain gear are recommended. Limited places available – booking essential.
4.30 pm — Storytelling Session with Órla McGovern
Murphy’s Loft, South Square | Free
Enjoy an afternoon of captivating stories from acclaimed Galway storyteller Órla McGovern.
8.00 pm — Batt Burns’ Rambling House
📍 Function Room, Sneem Hotel | €20.00
A special evening celebrating the spirit of festival founder Batt Burns. Featuring all of our tellers, along with stories, music, and entertainment in the true tradition of the Irish rambling house.
#samhainchiarrai #homeofhalloween
Saturday 8th November – A Celebration of Folklore, Family & Performance
10.00 am — Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty: The Unused Ticket to Capetown
Function Room, Sneem Hotel | €10.00
Historian Jerry O’Grady explores the remarkable story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, one of Kerry’s most fascinating historical figures.
10.45 am — Performance for Children
Sneem Crèche, North Square | Free
A lively storytelling performance by Senem Donatan designed especially for younger audiences.
11.30 am — Lunchtime Story Swap
D O’Shea’s Bar, North Square | Free
Hosted by Paddy O’Brien, this informal gathering invites everyone to share a story, a memory, or simply listen and enjoy.
12.15 pm — Storytelling Performance for School Children
Sneem Crèche, North Square | Free
Storyteller Killian Burns entertains younger audiences with stories full of imagination and fun.
1.00 pm — Storytelling in South West Kerry and the Legacy of Batt Burns
Function Room, Sneem Hotel | €10.00
Broadcaster and folklorist Frank Lewis explores the storytelling traditions of South West Kerry and reflects on the lasting legacy of festival founder Batt Burns.
3.00 pm — Meanderings with Killian Burns
Function Room, Sneem Hotel | €10.00
Join renowned Kerry storyteller Killian Burns for an entertaining and insightful afternoon of stories and reflections.
4.00 pm — Notes of Colour
📍 St Michael’s Church, South Square | By Donation
The acclaimed South Kerry Rosen Choir, under the direction of Brad Dicks and accompanied by Tatiana Budzen, present an afternoon of music in the beautiful surroundings of St Michael’s Church.
8.00 pm — The Love Hungry Farmer
Function Room, Sneem Hotel | €25.00
Written by John B. Keane and adapted for the stage by Seamus O’Rourke, this acclaimed production tells the story of John Bosco McLaine’s humorous and heartfelt search for love. Directed by Michael Scott and presented by CTD City Theatre Dublin.
10.45 pm — Storytelling Club
Murphy’s Bar, South Square | Free
Round off the evening with an informal late-night gathering featuring all our storytellers, sharing tales and conversation into the night.
Sunday 15th November – Family Day & Festival Farewell
12.00 noon — Lunchtime Theatre
Sneem Community Centre | By Donation
Presented by Sneem DramSoc. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy local theatre as part of the festival programme.
12.15 pm — Children’s Storytelling
Sneem Crèche, North Square | Free
Join Cillian Brennan for a magical storytelling session designed for younger audiences and families.
2.15 pm — Open House & Story Swap
Riney’s Bar, South Square | Free
Hosted by Paddy O’Brien, everyone is welcome to share a story, listen to local tales, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
3.45 pm — Closing the Festival
Murphy’s Loft, South Square | Free
Our traditional closing storytelling session brings together all of the festival tellers for one final celebration of stories, friendship, and community.
Tickets & Information
- Weekend Ticket: €75 per person
- Events marked Free require no booking.
- Early booking is recommended.
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Sneem International Storytelling & Folklore Festival 