Sneem
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Sneem (Irish: An tSnaidhm) is a town situated on the Iveragh Peninsula (part of the Ring of Kerry) in County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland. It lies on the estuary of the River Sneem. National route N70 runs through the town.
The Irish name for the town "An tSnaidhm" translates into the English "The Knot". There are several explanations as to why a "knot" would be relevant for this small Kerry village.
First, and most obviously, the Sneem river flows through the village and it is said that a knot-like swirling takes place when the river meets the currents of Kenmare Bay in the estuary just below the village.
Sneem village is comprised of 2 squares, North and South. There is a bridge in the middle of the village which if looked at from an aerial perspective acts as a knot between the two village squares.
A less common explanation is that Sneem is the knot in the famed Ring of Kerry scenic tourist drive. In order to complete the Ring of Kerry one must pass through the village of Sneem so therefore Sneem could be viewed as "the knot".
A book, Sneem The Knot in the Ring details the area's history.
In March 1978 Sneem was the venue for the state funeral for former President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh who resided in the area prior to his death.
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