Sneem Geopark Centre...

The Geopark Information Centre is located in South Square, Sneem, currently it contains two exhibitions:

In the Geopark Centre there are geological representations on display including Quartz, various types of Sandstone, Coral Sand,Turf, Pyrite and Valentia Slate. The information panels display geological formations including Corrie Glaciers, Glacial Deposits and Rias. The Sneem hinterland is also a haven for those interested in archaeology and the panels within the Centre illustrate the area's long history of human settlement since the Mesolithic Period ie hunter-gatherer societies. Also evidence of copper mined by our ancestors, rock art dating from the late Neolithic to the early Bronze age. Staige Fort most likely constructed before Christianity came to Ireland and used up to 400 years ago are all represented in the Centre. Literature on various outdoor interests such as birds, plants, and geology are also available in the Centre.

 

 

The William Melville Exhibition is the 2nd Centre

Born in Sneem in 1850, the son of a baker and publican, William Melville left for London and became a policeman. He rose to become one of the most famous detectives of his time, heading up Scotland Yard's Special Branch. Mingling with royalty and anarchists, Melville befriended Houdini, hunted Jack the Ripper and was involved in the fight against terrorism throughout his career – all of this and more features in the exhibition. Retiring unexpectedly in his fifties, he slipped into the shadowy world of espionage and MI5, operating as a spymaster known as 'M' (later immortalised as James Bond's boss).

The Centre also provides information on what to see and do in the area and is free of charge(donationation welcome).