He Walked to the
South Pole.
Then He Built This Pub.
The Antarctic explorer who walked 35 miles to save his crew came home and opened a pub. You're standing in it.
The Story
He Walked to the South Pole. Then He Built This Pub.
In 1927, a quiet man named Tom Crean opened a small pub in his home village of Annascaul, County Kerry. He called it the South Pole Inn, and his neighbours thought he was joking. He wasn't.
Tom Crean spent eight years at the bottom of the world. He marched alongside Scott toward the Pole. He walked 35 miles alone across Antarctic ice to save a dying colleague. He was one of six men who crossed the Southern Ocean in a 22-foot lifeboat to rescue the stranded crew of the Endurance. For his courage, he was awarded the Albert Medal.
But Tom never talked much about any of it. He came home to Kerry, married Ellen, and opened a pub. The locals called him 'Tom the Pole'.
Three journeys to the end of the earth
The Expeditions
Discovery Expedition (1901-1904)
Tom's first taste of the ice, under Captain Scott.
Terra Nova Expedition (1910-1913)
The famous 35-mile solo walk to save Lieutenant Evans. Tom received the Albert Medal for his heroism.
Endurance Expedition (1914-1916)
When Shackleton's ship was crushed by ice, Tom was one of six men who sailed 800 miles in an open boat to fetch rescue. All 28 crew survived.
35 miles across Antarctic ice
to save a dying colleague. Awarded the Albert Medal.
Today
Still Pouring Pints, Still Telling Stories
The South Pole Inn is still here, still pouring pints by the river in Annascaul. Gary Percival and his family have run it since 1999, keeping the fire lit and the stories alive.
The walls are covered with expedition photographs, maps, and memorabilia. Upstairs, a gallery houses works by Jerome Connor, another son of Annascaul. Outside, Tom's statue stands across the road, looking toward the mountains.
Come for the chowder. Stay for the history. Leave with a story worth telling.
What You'll Find
More Than Just a Pub
The Collection
Original expedition photographs by Herbert Ponting and Frank Hurley. Maps, medals, and memorabilia from all three of Tom's Antarctic journeys.
The Gallery
Upstairs, works by sculptor Jerome Connor, another remarkable man from this small village.
The Garden
Tables by the river, where children can play on the bank while you finish your pint. On a summer evening, there's nowhere better in Kerry.
The Talks
Gary Percival knows every story. Ask him anything. Better yet, book a talk for your group.
Come Visit
Main Street, Annascaul
On the Dingle Peninsula, between Tralee and Dingle. Tom's statue is across the road.
Hours
Mon-Wed: 12:00 - 23:00
Thu-Fri: 12:00 - 00:30
Sat: 12:00 - 00:00
Sun: 12:00 - 23:30