Expanded Shackleton School comes to Athy this week

Shackleton School to be extended Kildare County Council, in partnership with the Shackleton Experience, have announced an expanded programme of free public events for the Shackleton Autumn School 2026, which will take place in Athy from Friday, 16 October to Sunday, 18 October.

The festival will bring together visitors, historians, explorers, artists, musicians, storytellers, businesses and local communities to celebrate the life and legacy of Ernest Shackleton.

The Shackleton Autumn School has welcomed visitors to Athy for more than two decades exploring themes of leadership, resilience, exploration and endurance inspired by Shackleton's extraordinary achievements during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.

This year's programme features a wide range of cultural, artistic and family-friendly activities including expert talks and discussions, live music performances, storytelling events, art exhibitions, family activities, children's workshops, film screenings and heritage experiences designed to celebrate Shackleton's connection to Athy.

A key feature of this year's festival will be the Athy Farmer's Market in Emily Square on Saturday, 17 October.

The market will showcase artisan food producers, craft makers, local businesses and creative entrepreneurs, creating a welcoming focal point in the heart of the town and offering visitors an opportunity to sample and purchase the best of local produce and craftsmanship.

The festival will see local businesses, cafés, restaurants, pubs and community venues play an active role in the programme, with town-centre spaces hosting exhibitions and cultural experiences inspired by themes of exploration, adventure and discovery.

This will enhance the visitor experience, encourage longer stays and support local economic activity during the festival weekend.

"The Shackleton Autumn School is one of County Kildare's most significant and enduring cultural events,” said Cllr Mark Leigh, Cathaoirleach of Athy MD.

“For more than 20 years, it has celebrated the remarkable story of Ernest Shackleton, whose leadership, courage and resilience continue to inspire people across the world. Athy's unique connection to Shackleton gives the town an international story to tell, and this festival provides an important opportunity to share that heritage with new audiences while fostering community pride.

“This year's expanded programme demonstrates how heritage can be brought to life through culture, creativity and community participation. We are particularly pleased to see new elements such as the Athy Farmer's Market complementing the established Autumn School programme, creating additional opportunities for visitors to engage with the town, support local businesses and experience the unique atmosphere that makes Athy such a welcoming destination."

Jacqui McNabb, Head of Economic Development, Enterprise, Retail and Tourism, Kildare County Council, added: "Tourism and local enterprise go hand in hand”.

“Festivals such as the Shackleton Autumn School not only celebrate our heritage and culture, they also create real economic opportunities for local businesses. Every visitor who comes to Athy for the weekend contributes to the local economy by staying, shopping, dining and spending time in the town.

“We have worked closely with local businesses, artists, musicians, community groups and cultural partners to create a programme that encourages visitors to experience all that Athy has to offer. The new Shackleton Market, the cultural trail, live performances and town-centre activations will showcase local talent and enterprise while helping to create a vibrant festival atmosphere.

“By encouraging people to explore, linger and spend locally, we are strengthening Athy's visitor economy and supporting sustainable economic development within the town."

The expanded festival programme has been supported through the EU Presidency Cultural Programme and reflects Kildare County Council's commitment to supporting cultural tourism, town-centre activation and local economic development. Through collaboration with community groups, businesses and cultural organisations, the festival aims to position Athy as a destination where heritage, creativity and enterprise come together to create memorable visitor experiences.