If there’s one place in Ireland that will bring colour into your life, it’s Sneem, Co Kerry. Autumn window boxes overflow with scarlet geraniums and purple aubrieta, houses are painted yellow, blue and pink, the post office is the traditional green and cream, and in the distance is the peak of Corrán Tuathail.
On the weekend of October 23rd, there will be a series of events on the twin themes of walking and geology.
Dr Michael Smith, geologist and chair of Kerry Geopark, has devised some loop walks that will help you know what it is you’re walking across, with glacial erosion and drowned river valleys two important time-indicators. You can get a leaflet and do the 10-14km walks on your own – it’s well waymarked – or go with a guide. The latter could be the better option, as it includes a stop for tea and a scone at a local farmhouse, where you can be photographed with a herd of alpaca.
This isn’t just for walkers, says Sneem man John Vincent O’Sullivan, it is also to engage farmers, as they are an important part of geo-tourism.
Get those walking boots on: it’s all there waiting for you. The weekend kicks off with a food festival celebrating the best of local produce and artisan fare in Sneem Hotel.
For more information, see www.sneem.com, Kerry Geopark at www.sccird.com/geopark or www.sneemhotel.com. Mary Russell