The Shackleton Experience sets sail in Athy

THE ONLY institution in the world dedicated to the life of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, Athy’s Shackleton Experience, has finally reopened following a €7.5 million redevelopment funded by Kildare County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The historic Town Hall building on Emily Square, now featuring a striking glass ‘iceberg’ extension, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art visitor attraction combining the world’s largest collection of Shackleton artefacts with immersive digital storytelling and interactive exhibits.

Among the 200 artefacts on display is the actual wooden cabin where Shackleton died in 1922 during his last expedition.

Visitors can also expect to see the sledge and harness from the Nimrod Expedition, replica models of the Endurance and Quest, and a reconstructed 1920s cinema showcasing archival footage of Shackleton’s Antarctic journeys.

The opening weekend was a huge success, with visitors remarking that the museum is of “international standard,” with cleverly planned out sections, and well-informed and friendly staff dedicated to assisting visitors to create a memorable experience.

The new Shackleton Experience now includes a research studio for visiting polar scholars, a children’s discovery tour, a café called Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience, and The Athy Story, which is a free exhibition exploring the town’s history as far back as the medieval era.

Local historian and one of the community activists who laid the foundations of the Shackleton Experience, Frank Taaffe, described the opening as the culmination of over four decades of community effort.

“It’s been a huge day for us, and a huge day for someone like myself who’s been involved with this project for the last 42 years,” he said.

“It’s taken so long to come. It’s evolved from a town museum to a heritage centre, and now to a Shackleton museum. That’s the important thing.” Vistors travelled from as far as Norway, England and Northern Ireland to attend the event, which already shows that interest for the museum spans far beyond the island of Ireland.

Minister Calleary said the redeveloped experience “showcases the most prominent collection of Shackleton memorabilia in the world” and “will undoubtedly become a focal point for tourists in Athy.” At the official opening, two Government Ministers, Minister Dara Calleary and Minister Martin Heydon, joined Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council Cllr Carmel Kelly, Chief Executive Sonya Kavanagh, and members of the Shackleton family, including Shackleton’s granddaughter Alexandra Shackleton, who spoke at the event.

Kildare County Council Chief Executive Sonya Kavanagh described the redevelopment as “a labour of love,” adding that it reflects a shared commitment to “strategic investment that enhances our cultural infrastructure and supports long-term community development.” Mr Taaffe recalled how the project began in 1983 when he returned to Athy after more than two decades away and called a public meeting to establish a museum society. The first local museum was housed in a former classroom at Mount St Mary’s, provided by the Sisters of Mercy, before moving into the Town Hall.

It was during his research for a heritage submission that Frank discovered Shackleton had in fact been born in Kilkea, near Athy, not Kilkee, Co. Clare, as previously believed.

“That changed everything,” he said. “We decided to put up a small exhibition to Shackleton, and it just grew from there.” Over the years, through donations, grants and volunteer dedication, the small heritage centre has finally developed into an internationally recognised institution. “For those 40 years, it has been volunteers. People coming together, holding meetings, keeping it alive,” said Mr Taaffe.

The museum’s reopening coincides with preparations for the Shackleton Autumn School, which takes place from October 24 to 26, 2025, drawing speakers and visitors from around the world to celebrate Shackleton’s legacy.

“It’s a huge international event,” Mr Taaffe said. “People come every year from America, France, Japan, Australia and Norway.” The Shackleton Experience is expected to draw both national and international visitors in the months ahead.

“It’s great news for Athy,” said Mr Taaffe. “After 42 years, we finally got there.” Visitors should allow themselves an hour minimum to enjoy the full experience, and should not forget to check out the free exhibition on Athy’s story, which features excellent artefacts such as the rent table, which was used for rent payments between tenants and landlords dating back to the 1530s.

In addition, admission to Ernie’s Café is free and visitors can come in any time they want to enjoy a coffee in the cosy ambience of the revamped building.

The museum opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm, with the last admissions available at 4pm. The experience will also be closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.

The tickets for a visit to the Shackleton Experience are retailed online for €15 per adult, €14.50 for senior visitors and students, €12.50 for children aged between 12 and 17 years, €11 for children aged between 5 and 11 years, and free for children under 5 and essential carers. Booking online is encouraged as walk-in tickets are retailed at a slightly higher price.