Annascaul: Tom Crean’s Hometown

From Inch Strand, we briefly got back on R651 before taking a short detour to the village of Annascaul.

In my Kenmare footprint yesterday, I mentioned the name of an Antarctic explorer of the Heroic Age — Tom Crean. Born at a farm near Annascaul, Crean returned to live out the rest of his life in this village after he retired from life at sea.

Our visit to Annascaul had a couple of goals. (1) Find the South Pole Inn, which Crean opened in the early 20th century after he settled here. (2) visit the memorial park where there is a statue of him in one of his iconic poses from the Endurance Expedition ... with husky puppies gathered in his arms. (3) Hike/stroll to the Ballynacourty Cemetery ... to stretch our legs and also to pay our respects at Crean’s grave. (4) Have lunch ... preferably at the South Pole Inn.

I’m happy to say that we achieved all of our goals!Read more