Athy's Shackleton Experience welcomes 30,000 visitors in first year
Shackleton Experience in Athy
THE Shackleton Experience, Athy, the only institution in the world dedicated to the life and achievements of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, is celebrating its first anniversary this month after an exceptional first year.
Since opening in October 2025, the attraction has welcomed 30,000 visitors from more than 25 countries, received national recognition and established itself as one of Ireland's newest visitor destinations.
The milestone was marked by opening the doors free of charge to the people of Athy as a thank you for their support, with almost 900 locals visiting on the anniversary, making it the busiest day since the attraction opened.
Housed in Athy's beautifully restored Town Hall, complete with its striking iceberg-inspired glass extension, The Shackleton Experience offers visitors an immersive journey through the extraordinary life and legacy of Ernest Shackleton.
"We are incredibly proud to be celebrating our first anniversary and to reflect on what has been a fantastic first year for The Shackleton Experience," said Aline FitzGerald, general manager.
"We are hugely grateful to everyone who has supported us over the past year, and we look forward to continuing to welcome visitors and share Shackleton's remarkable story for many years to come."
Some of the notable figures include 30,000 visitors in the first 12 months, and a record of almost 900 on the anniversary free open day for Athy locals. They have had visitors from every county from all 32 counties on the island of Ireland.
There have been visitors from more than 25 countries across five continents, with North America the largest overseas market.
Visitors have included Gary Belgre, who came from Sydney after visiting Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds in Antarctica, and Ivan Naisbitt, grandson of Quest expedition member Christopher Naisbitt The destination became the number one attraction on Athy on Tripadvisor and was awarded Visitor Attraction of the Year 2026 at the Georgina Campbell Irish Food and Hospitality Awards.
The location was awarded 3rd place RIAI Public Choice Awards 2026, for the transformation of Athy’s historical Town Hal along with Best Europe Tourism Project, British Guild of Travel Writers International Tourism Awards.
Ernie’s Café at the Shackleton Experience was also awarded Best Newcomer in Leinster at Irish Restaurant Awards 2026, after winning Best Newcomer in Kildare. Ernie’s is also listed in McKenna’s Guide 2026 and The Irish Times Top 100 Places to Eat.
The Shackleton Experience is helping to establish Athy as a destination, encouraging visitors to spend time in the town rather than simply passing through.
Working alongside the Destination Athy partnership, the attraction has welcomed travel trade familiarisation trips and media visits to showcase everything the town has to offer.
Local businesses say the impact has already been felt:
"Since its opening, we have seen a noticeable increase in bookings from groups specifically travelling to Athy to visit the Shackleton Experience. Athy is increasingly becoming a destination in its own right,” said Mary Fennin Byrne, managing director at Clanard Court Hotel.
Fifty-Seven Boutique reported that footfall had notably increased with visitors mentioning their visit to Athy for the Shackleton Experience.
Leinster Street’s Manley’s Menswear described it as adding a “real attraction” within the town.
“We have welcomed additional trade from visitors walking between the train station and the attraction."
Café 29 Urban Corner said they “had seen additional custom since the completion of Emily Square and the opening of the Shackleton Experience."
The venue also supports community life in Athy, from Culture Night, Heritage Week and the Riverbank Arts Centre schools programme to TriAthy and the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run.
