Athy's Shackleton Experience officially opens its doors
Athy's Shackleton Experience was officially opened today by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD
EXCITEMENT soared as the doors to Athy’s Shackleton Experience were officially opened for the first time by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD.
The Shackleton Experience is 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.
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.
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.”
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.
