Sneem is situated on the Iveragh Peninsula (part of the Ring of Kerry) and 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 comprises 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."

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.

There are a number of common Irish names associated with Sneem include Sullivan and O'Sullivan. Because there can be many O'Sullivan's local append words to differentiate between them for example O'Sullivan-Mountain.

Former French President Charles de Gaulle visited here on numerous occasions and there is a sculpture commemorating this in the village

The village of Sneem is a treasure trove of international sculpture, accessible to all, free of charge, throughout the year. The work of Vivienne Roche, Alan Hall, Tamara Rikman, and a panda sculpture donated by the Peoples Republic of China can be seen on various locations. "The Risen Christ " by Brother Joseph McNally is located on thegrounds of St.Michael's Church. The goddess Isis, donated by the people of Egypt, stands at "The Way The Fairies Went," a collection of buildings designed by Kerry sculptor James Scanlon, and executed by local stoneworkers near St. Michael's Church. It was financed by the Arts Council of Ireland as a result of Sneem winning the National Tidy Towns Award in 1987. The entire project was completed in 1989-90.The buildings won the National Landscape Award in 1997.

The legendary Casey family of rowers and wrestlers were all from Sneem, the most famous of whom "Steve 'Crusher' Casey" was undefeated heavyweight wrestling champion of the world 1938-1947 and in 1982 he received the Irish Hall Of Fame Award, presented by Olympic gold medallist Ronnie Delaney. There is a statue commemorating him in the village.