Athy welcomes a packed line up of guest speakers for this year’s Shackleton Autumn School

SHACKLETON experts, polar historians, explorers and adventure enthusiasts will gather in Athy this October as the much-loved Shackleton Autumn School returns for its 26th year.

Taking place from Friday 16 - Sunday 18 October, the internationally recognised festival transforms the town into a vibrant hub of exploration, history and discovery.

Hosted by The Shackleton Autumn School Committee in partnership with The Shackleton Experience, the weekend brings together an extraordinary line-up of world-renowned speakers alongside visitors travelling from across Ireland and overseas.

Over three days, attendees will experience fascinating talks, films and cultural events celebrating Shackleton’s remarkable legacy while exploring the wider stories of Antarctic exploration, leadership, endurance and human resilience, as well as the science and environmental challenges shaping our understanding of the polar regions today.

The programme of events will take place in locations across Athy and Shackleton Autumn School ticket holders will also have free access to visit the Shackleton Experience throughout the weekend.

The 26th Shackleton Autumn School will feature a number of expert talks from special guests including Dr Dylan Colbert, performance psychologist, behavioural scientist and lecturer; Ali Gellatly, Ship and Facilities Director at Dundee Heritage Trust, the charity responsible for the care and conservation of Captain Scott's Royal Research Ship Discovery; Katherine MacInnes, award-winning author and exploration historian, best known for ‘Snow Widows’, which tells the story of Captain Scott's final Antarctic expedition through the experiences of the women left behind; and Steven Marston, grandson of George Marston, the artist and expedition member who accompanied Shackleton on both the Nimrod and Endurance expeditions.

Other fantastic speakers include Craig Mathieson, Scottish polar explorer, expedition leader, youth mentor and Founder of the Polar Academy, a Scottish Charity that helps young people build confidence and resilience through life-changing Arctic expeditions; Neil Pepper, polar historian and researcher with a long-standing interest in Antarctic exploration and its legacy; Allegra Rosenberg, New York-based writer and editor with a particular interest in exploration history; Fabiënne Tetteroo, historian from The Hague, Netherlands; and Hugh Turner, nephew of Apsley Cherry-Garrard, Captain Scott's expedition member and author of The Worst Journey in the World.

Early Bird Tickets are on sale until August 31. Book before the deadline to avail of early bird pricing and secure your place at this year’s Shackleton Autumn School. Tickets are available here: https://shackletonexperience.ie/shackleton-autumn-school/ 

 Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, said: "There's a really special atmosphere in Athy during the Shackleton Autumn School. For one weekend every year, our town becomes a meeting place for some of the world's leading experts on polar exploration, alongside visitors who simply share a fascination with Ernest Shackleton's incredible story. You'll find internationally renowned historians chatting with locals, seasoned explorers sharing stories with first-time visitors and people travelling from across the globe to celebrate Shackleton's legacy. It's an incredibly welcoming weekend with something for everyone, and we're looking forward to once again welcoming both our local community and visitors from around the world to celebrate.”