Step into the world of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton at the Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co Kildare. Explore the only institution dedicated to Shackleton, who was born nearby in Kilkea in 1874.
Discover his inspiring journey from his birthplace in Kildare to the Polar ice caps. View rare film footage in a 1920s-style theatre and original artefacts, including the actual cabin where Shackleton died on board Quest, Nimrod Expedition equipment, and models of Endurance, Quest, and James Caird lifeboat.
Located in the restored 300-year-old Town Hall with a modern iceberg-shaped extension, the site also features a Shackleton statue at the entrance, a café called ‘Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience’, and a shop offering exclusive merchandise and local crafts.
Visitors can trace Shackleton’s inspiring journey, exploring the determination and leadership that defined his legacy. They can also discover in detail the three expeditions he led to the Antarctic, including the legendary Endurance expedition (1914–1917) where Shackleton managed to bring the entire crew home safely without the loss of a single life after their ship sank in a frozen sea hundreds of miles from civilisation.
A highlight of this world class attraction is a deeply immersive experience that places visitors alongside the crew of Endurance as they make their remarkable escape from the ice-bound ship, with crashing waves and wind effects making the journey feel as real as possible.
The Shackleton Experience also features rare original film footage in a reconstructed 1920’s cinema which showcases footage and historic clips of Shackleton’s various expeditions and activities, bringing his amazing storey vividly to life. Discover the largest collection of Shackleton artefacts in the world, including: ;
• The actual cabin in which Ernest Shackleton died of a heart attack on the ship ‘Quest’ during the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition to the South Pole in 1921
• The sledge and harness used on the Nimrod Expedition
• Replica models of the Endurance and Quest ships as well as the James Caird lifeboat that rescued the crew after the Endurance shipwreck
• Captivating audio-visual displays, augmented reality simulating rides, and rare original film footage in a 1920s-style theatre.
• See the Burberry®Outrig as worn by Kenneth Branagh in Shackleton TV drama.
