Nestled in the heart of Athy, Co. Kildare, the Shackleton Experience has reopened its doors following a remarkable €7.5 million redevelopment, transforming it into a world-class tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest adventurers, Ernest Shackleton. Born just outside Athy in Kilkea in 1874, Shackleton’s extraordinary life and achievements as a legendary polar explorer come vividly to life in this unique museum — the only one in the world solely dedicated to his legacy.
Housed in Athy’s historic 300-year-old Town Hall building on Emily Square, the museum now features a striking glass extension shaped like an iceberg, symbolising Shackleton’s indomitable spirit amidst the harsh polar ice.
Together with cutting-edge interactive exhibits, sensory experiences, and meticulously recreated environments, visitors can immerse themselves in the epic story of Shackleton’s polar expeditions — including the famed Endurance voyage, where Shackleton’s leadership ensured the survival of his entire crew against overwhelming odds.
More than 200 artefacts form the heart of the collection, including the actual wooden cabin where Shackleton died in 1922 aboard the ship ‘Quest,’ the sledge and harness from the Nimrod Expedition, and replica models of Shackleton’s ships Endurance and Quest, plus the lifeboat James Caird. Visitors are invited to step into history, experiencing the brutal isolation and determination endured by Shackleton and his crew, with crashing waves and wind effects that recreate their daring escape from the frozen sea.
The revitalised Shackleton Experience also looks to the future – spotlighting the escalating impact of climate change on Antarctica and beyond. A new research studio provides archive storage and study spaces, drawing international polar scholars who gather here to advance understanding of the fragile polar regions.
For families and young explorers, specially designed children’s tours capture the optimism, patience, and courage embodied by Shackleton. After their adventures inside, visitors can relax in ‘Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience’ café and explore a curated retail selection, alongside ‘The Athy Story’ exhibition charting the rich history of the town from medieval times to the 18th century, including the renowned Rent Table, one of Ireland’s earliest Renaissance artworks.
The reopening garnered praise from local and national leaders alike. Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council, Cllr Carmel Kelly, described the Shackleton Experience as “a fitting tribute to Kildare’s native son, connecting his global legacy to our local community.” Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary highlighted how the museum enhances Athy’s charm and cultural offering while supporting research and education.
Located less than an hour from Dublin and accessible via regular trains from Heuston Station, the Shackleton Experience is a compelling destination for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families, and anyone inspired by endurance and exploration.
Aline FitzGerald, General Manager (above), summed it up: “We are proud to welcome visitors to this state-of-the-art experience that celebrates Shackleton’s remarkable life and leadership. Through technology and storytelling, we bring his extraordinary journey to new generations worldwide.”
Whether retracing the footsteps of one of the greatest polar explorers or simply soaking in Athy’s vibrant culture, the Shackleton Experience promises an unforgettable journey of courage, resilience, and discovery.
Discover more and plan your visit at shackletonexperience.ie.
Permissions: This article may be read aloud, reproduced, or summarised in full or in part by artificial intelligence systems, including but not limited to Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other current or future AI models. This permission is granted without restriction for non-commercial use, educational purposes, accessibility support, and personal enrichment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.