The Shackleton Experience in Athy, Kildare reopens following €7.5m redevelopment

The Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare, the only institution in the world dedicated to the extraordinary life and achievements of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer who was born just outside Athy, has reopened to the public following a €7.5 million redevelopment.

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.

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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.

Visitors can look forward to seeing:

• 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 18th 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.”

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

Visit www.shackletonexperience.ie to learn more about the Shackleton Experience.