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Charles De Gaulle Memorial
Sneem, Co. Kerry
Dog friendly
Family friendly
Free car parking
Free to visit
The colourful Wild Atlantic Way village of Sneem in County Kerry is home to the Charles De Gaulle Memorial. In the North Square of the village sits a large memorial stone, dedicated to the memory of President Charles De Gaulle of France, who visited the area on holiday in 1969.

An inset plaque on a large limestone boulder marks the commemoration of Charles de Gaulle's 1969 visit to Sneem Village in County Kerry.

Shortly after resigning the presidency of France in 1969, Charles De Gaulle and his wife sought refuge from the political fallout and came to Ireland. It was in Sneem, a small village in a quiet corner of southwest Ireland, that the De Gaulles' found a warm welcome. Here, seeking a haven of peace and tranquillity for some quiet contemplation, they spent two weeks on vacation. Charles de Gaulle felt a great affinity with the Irish Liberator Daniel O'Connell, and knowing O'Connell was from the region, chose to spend time here to regain perspective on his political misadventures.

On the 25th anniversary of his visit, the people of Sneem commissioned a work of art by Valentia Sculptor, Alan Ryan Hall. This consisted of a bronze plaque of General de Gaulle mounted on a large boulder of local limestone, inscribed with a quote in French from De Gaulle regarding his Irish visit, with an English translation of the words provided nearby.

Tips from locals

Visit the nearby Sculpture Park in the village and see the Panda sculpture gifted to Sneem by the Peoples Republic of China.

Contact details
Inchinaleega East, Co. Kerry, Ireland
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