The Shackleton Experience, Athy, Co. Kildare, reopens

The Shackleton Experience, Athy, Co. Kildare, dedicated to the life of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, reopens following €7.5 million investment by Kildare County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development

and the Gaeltacht

• The only institution in the world dedicated to the life of Ernest Shackleton, the Shackleton Experience has over 200 artefacts – including the actual wooden cabin in which he died

• Discover Shackleton’s inspiring legacy from his Kildare roots to the vast polar ice caps via immersive interactive experiences, sensory effects and recreated environments that bring his extraordinary journey to life

• The historic Town Hall building in the heart of Athy now features a glass ‘iceberg’ extension and new research studio, which will support international polar scholars from across the world

Funded by the Department of Rural Community and Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and Kildare County Council, the museum has been transformed into a world-class visitor attraction that combines the largest collection of Shackleton artefacts in the world with cutting-edge technology and immersive, interactive exhibits.

Born in Kilkea, just outside Athy in 1874, Ernest Shackleton’s extraordinary story is brought to life at the Shackleton Experience through dramatic digital storytelling, sensory effects and recreated environments that offer visitors the chance to step into his world.

Visitors can trace Shackleton’s inspiring journey from his Kildare roots to the vast Polar ice caps, capturing the determination and leadership that defined his legacy. They can also explore in detail the three expeditions he led to the Antarctic, including the legendary Endurance expedition (1914–1917) where Shackleton managed to bring the entire crew home safely without the loss of a single life after their ship sank in a frozen sea hundreds of miles from civilisation.

As part of the redevelopment by Kildare County Council, a dramatic glass extension in the shape of an iceberg has been added to the venue, which is housed in Athy’s historic Town Hall, a 300-year-old building on Emily Square. The square is also home to the iconic statue of Ernest Shackleton.

• The actual cabin in which Ernest Shackleton died of a heart attack on the ship ‘Quest’ during the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition in 1922
• The sledge and harness used on the Nimrod Expedition
• Replica models of the Endurance and Quest ships as well as the James Caird lifeboat that rescued the crew after the Endurance shipwreck
• A deeply immersive experience that allows visitors join the crew of the Endurance as they make their remarkable escape from the ice-bound ship, with crashing waves and wind effects making the journey feel as real as possible
• A reconstructed 1920’s cinema showcasing archival footage and historic clips of Shackleton’s various expeditions and activities, bringing his amazing story vividly to life

Additionally, the Shackleton Experience examines the polar regions today, highlighting the escalating impact of climate change on Antarctica and beyond. A dedicated research studio has been developed to support this, with archive storage and study facilities that will host polar scholars from around the world.

There is also a specially designed children’s tour for pre-teens, helping younger visitors connect with the spirit of optimism, patience, idealism and courage that defined Shackleton.

Visitors can relax with a coffee at the new ‘Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience’ café and explore a selection of new retail offerings alongside ‘The Athy Story’ – a free exhibition exploring the rich history of the town from medieval times up to the 18^th century. It includes the ‘Rent Table’, one of the earliest surviving known examples of Renaissance art in Ireland and a nationally significant artefact.

Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly said; “The Shackleton Experience project is a great example of co-operation between National and Local Government, and one of many underway or already delivered as part of the development of the public realm in Athy. Ernest Shackleton was a Kildare native, and a world class experience, like this one, dedicated to him, his crew and his endeavours is a fitting tribute.”

Speaking at the opening of the Shackleton Experience, Minister Calleary said, “Having extended and modernised the Athy Heritage Centre in this impressive 300-year-old former town hall, this unique experience now showcases the most prominent collection of Shackleton memorabilia in the world. The Shackleton Experience will undoubtedly become a focal point for tourists in Athy and support the goal to make the town centre a vibrant and attractive place for tourists and local residents alike.”

The Minister continued: “I am delighted to see that there is space included to facilitate opportunities for research and education. It is essential that we invest in projects like this to ensure that town centres, like Athy, are vibrant, attractive and more resilient places to live, work, raise a family and invest in. The Shackleton Experience will help deliver on this.”

The Minister concluded: “I am delighted that my department was able to provide grant funding of over €5.2 million for this project to Kildare County Council under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The Fund is a key Government measure to deliver projects across rural Ireland driving the resilience and regeneration of our towns.”

“In Kildare County Council, we’re immensely proud to have been able to deliver this state-of-the-art visitor experience, which has been a labour of love for our team, and everyone involved, over the last number of years.”

Commenting on the redevelopment, Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, said: “We are delighted to welcome the public back following a major redevelopment of the museum. Ernest Shackleton remains one of the most legendary polar explorers in history, and our aim is to celebrate both his remarkable achievements and his Kildare roots.”

“Throughout this process, we have worked closely with conservation officers and heritage bodies to preserve the integrity of the 300-year-old Town Hall while enhancing the visitor experience for both national and international guests. The redevelopment will bring Shackleton’s story to life with cutting-edge technology, while also highlighting the ongoing impacts of climate change on our polar regions.”

“Our artefact collection, carefully curated over many years, reflects Shackleton’s extraordinary life and legacy. We are proud to be the only institution in the world dedicated to him and to sharing his story with generations to come.”

The annual internationally recognised ‘Shackleton Autumn School’ will take place from the 24^th October to – 26^th October 2025 and will feature talks, workshops and events to celebrate Shackleton’s legacy.

Located less than an hour from Dublin and served by regular trains from Dublin’s Heuston Station, the Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare, is easily accessible from surrounding counties, including Carlow, Laois, and Kilkenny.

The Shackleton Experience – Unmissable for families, schools, polar enthusiasts, culture and history fans as well as adventure and endurance sports devotees

Visit shackletonexperience.ie to learn more about the Shackleton Experience

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