Fodor's Expert Review Tom Crean's Base Camp Restaurant

Owner Aileen d'Arcy named her restaurant after her grandfather, one of County Kerry's most famous sons, the Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. His backstory sets the scene in this simple blue-plastered pub---with memorabilia aplenty. The menu uses local produce, with an emphasis on vegan options as well as local seafood. Top bets include Sneem black pudding with apple and tomato chutney, baked in phyllo pastry, and local duck breast, panfried and served with roasted root vegetables and Puy lentils, or Sneem lobster, grilled or poached. Known for her warm welcome, Aileen learned her trade at Kenmare's famed Park Hotel and shares the chef duties with her two sons. Ask them about their attempt to follow in Tom Crean's footsteps in the Antarctic: it's a great story. Check out the brewery tour if time permits and there are four simple rooms above the restaurant that can be booked for B&B.