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Ireland, Annascaul
last update: Aug 25, 2008 03:59 PM
Annascaul or "Áth na Scal" (Ford of the Heroes) is situated between Tralee and Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula, Kerry County, Ireland.
The town has a rich history and mystical past, as the name could have
originated from several origins. It is situated on the Abhainn an Scáil
(River of Shadows), which flows from the nearby lake (Loch Scáil). The
towns past is visible by the many forts and gollauns nearby hinting at
past civilisations that may even have established a seat of power here.
One
of the towns celebrations each year is the Tom Crean Walking Festival,
which takes place in October on a bank holiday. Tom Crean was an avid
walker and seven routes have been established, there are lectures and
other festivities, including a drink at the South Pole Inn, I imagine.
South Pole Inn
The original South Pole Inn was built but the well known Irish Antarctic explorer, Tom Crean.
Tom Crean served with Scott and Shackleton,
and was a well respected member of each team in which he served. In
particular he is remembered for his heroic saving of Teddy Evan's life,
and his crossing of South Georgia with Shackleton during the Endurance rescue.
The
South Pole Inn is full of images and memorabilia of various expeditions
to Antarctica, and naturally has lots of information about Tom Crean.
The South Pole Inn is also home to the Tom Crean Society, which holds
talks once a month in the top room of the inn, which used to be Tom's
bedroom.
Locals tell various stories about Tom, his love for
walking and the fact that he was a quiet man. This mean that his wife
actually did most of the work and practically ran the Inn.
Tom Crean Walking Tour
The
Irish Antarctic explorer Tom Crean was born and built his own final
resting place near Annascaul in Kerry County, Ireland. Tom Crean is
best known for his involvement in Scott and Shackleton's expeditions in
the early 1900's, and was a valued team member by all accounts.
Tom
Crean is a local hero with one of the town's festivals being the Tom
Crean Walking Festival. The 7 walks take you past some of Tom's
landmarks as well as along some of his favourite walk paths.
