Tom Crean Brewery Kenmare Tour & Tasting

Tom Crean Brewery in Kenmare was set up in late 2019 by Aileen Crean O’Brien, granddaughter of the Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, together with Bill Sheppard. The small brewery on Killowen Road runs guided tours that double as a history lesson, weaving the story of Crean’s expeditions with South Georgia and the South Pole into an explanation of how the beer itself is made.

What to Expect

The hour-long tour covers the history of Irish brewing generally before narrowing in on the brewery’s own story, including its connection to the 2016 Centenary Expedition that retraced part of Crean’s Antarctic route, and touches on the sustainability practices the brewery has built into its process. Entry includes a guided tour and either a free pint or a three-glass tasting flight of the brewery’s beers, poured in the taproom once the walk-through finishes. Admission is €15 for adults, €12 for seniors and students, €6 for under-18s, and €35 for a family ticket covering two adults and two children. Visitors can also simply drop into the taproom for a drink without booking a full tour, though the guided version is the better way to get the full story behind the brand.

Good to Know

• Booking: tours run by appointment, arranged by phone or email ahead of a visit
• Contact: Aileen +353 (0)86 042 2307, Bill +353 (0)87 161 2929, or creanfamilyale@gmail.com
• Venue: Tom Crean Brewery Kenmare, Killowen Road, Kenmare
• Price: €15 adult, €12 senior/student, €6 under-18, €35 family (2 adults, 2 children)
• Recurrence: book-ahead tours available year-round; this listing is dated to illustrate the next available week

Getting There

Kenmare town centre is a short walk from Killowen Road, with the brewery an easy stop for anyone touring the Ring of Kerry or the Beara Peninsula. There is more to see in Kenmare and across Co. Kerry.