Little Egypt in Ireland: 2005

A quiet, reflective evening at Sneem

A typically gentle Little Egypt moment

After Bantry, we headed back to Kenmare to grab a quick meal before changing into Whites and rejoining the coach, andf heading off to Sneem.

Sneem is on the famous "Ring of Kerry". Typical of so many roadside villages, the houses are colourful, and the village quiet.

We chose to dance first outside Dan Murphy's bar on the village square. We were largely alone, although one or two locals were attracted to this curiosity, doubtless by the infectious melodies and beat of the tambourine.

So, we migrated round the corner to another typical Irish bar: petrol pump, grocery shop and bar. Beyond the bar, however, was a wonderful modern "meeting room", with extra bar space, space and arrangements for music, a sprung dancing floor, and us.

So we spent the rest of the evening here.

Musicians played; we danced; they demonstrated some set dancing.

Those of you who have not encountered the swirling sounds and rhythms of genuine western Irish set dancing (none of your "River Dance" rubbish) can only imagine the cumulative effect of the sights and sounds on minds suitably enhanced by Arthur's Best Stout.