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Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm

Shackleton Experience Athy

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Shackleton Experience Athy

World class experience dedicated to the life of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton

📍Athy, Co.

Kildare, R14 KW65

Now open🧊

https://shackletonexperience.ie

01/06/2026

🚗✨ We’re delighted to welcome the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run to Emily Square, Athy this Bank Holiday Monday!

Come along and admire over 120 stunning classic and vintage cars as they arrive in Athy 🏁

While you’re here, make a day of it at the Shackleton Experience, where you can explore the incredible story of Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary expeditions.

Or relax at Ernie’s Café on site with a coffee, savoury toastie, or something sweet 🍰

This free event promises a fantastic day out for all ages - whether you’re a motoring enthusiast, history lover, or simply looking for something a little different this Bank Holiday weekend 😊

We look forward to welcoming you to Athy!

30/05/2026

🌊 Race Day in Athy

We’re delighted to be partnering with TriAthy 2026 which is taking place today 🏃🏊🚴🏼

This partnership celebrates the shared spirit of resilience, endurance, and determination that connects the world of sports with the extraordinary story of Ernest Shackleton and his crew ❄️💪

Please note, parking will be extremely limited on the day so we strongly suggest using public transport where possible!

Best of luck to every participant taking on the challenge today - we’ll be cheering you on all the way!

29/05/2026

🚴‍♂️🏊‍♀️🏃‍♂️ TriAthy takes place in Athy this Saturday, 30th May, and we want to wish all participants the very best of luck!

TriAthy’s motto, ‘With endurance, we conquer’, feels especially fitting this weekend. It’s also a phrase closely associated with Ernest Shackleton himself ❄️

As a result, there will be road closures, diversions, and significantly reduced parking in the town centre throughout the day. If you’re planning to visit us at the Shackleton Experience, we recommend planning your journey in advance to help your visit go as smoothly as possible 😊

Athy Train Station is just a 5-minute walk from the Shackleton Experience, making rail travel the easiest and most stress-free option on the day.

Trains run regularly from Dublin Heuston and Kilkenny throughout the day.

📅 Need to reschedule your visit?

No problem at all - we’re happy to transfer your booking to another date free of charge. Just email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime. We hope to see you this Saturday! 💙

28/05/2026

🧭 The Athy Story: Guided Tour

Step beyond Shackleton and discover the story of Athy itself ✨

Free guided tours of The Athy Story exhibition take place weekly alternating between Tuesday and Friday at 10:30am.

From the arrival of the Normans in the 13th century to the influence of the Fitzgerald family, and from the 1798 Rebellion to the Great Famine, this 40 minute tour brings Athy’s rich and complex past to life.

After your tour, why not continue the journey and step into the world of Shackleton himself at the Shackleton Experience 🌍❄️

🎟️ Book now https://seathy.shackletonexperience.ie/ticketbooth/shows/1173678597/events/428827037

27/05/2026

🧭 Artefact Spotlight of the Week

This week’s spotlight is our incredible 1:10 scale replica of the Endurance 🚢❄️

Originally built for the 2002 TV mini series Shackleton, starring Kenneth Branagh, this detailed model brings to life the legendary ship that carried Ernest Shackleton and his crew into the frozen unknown on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

The Endurance would later become trapped and crushed by Antarctic ice in 1915, marking the beginning of one of the greatest survival stories in history. This replica captures not just the craftsmanship of the ship itself, but the spirit of resilience, leadership, and determination that defined Shackleton’s journey.🌊

Visit us in Athy to see it up close and step into the story.

📍 Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm (last admission 4pm)

25/05/2026

Thinking of a day trip with a difference? Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Athy ✨

🧭 Start your journey at the Shackleton Experience. Step into the incredible story of Ernest Shackleton through immersive and interactive exhibitions

☕ Refuel at Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience Café and enjoy a coffee with a treat

🚶‍♂️ Take a stroll through Emily Square, pop into local shops, and soak up the charm of this historic market town

🌊 Cruise the River Barrow and explore Athy’s built heritage and some wildlife along the way

🍽️ End your day your way, weather it’s a trad session in Clancy’s or a bite to eat in one the local restaurants, Athy has plenty to offer

Athy is no longer just a stop along the way, it’s a destination waiting to be explored 💙

📍 Start your adventure with us
🎟️ Book now https://shackletonexperience.ie/book-now/

22/05/2026

🏅 Artefact Spotlight of the Week

This week, we’re looking at the Polar Medal - one of the highest honours awarded to those who ventured into the extreme conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic ❄️🌍

Ernest Shackleton was awarded the Polar Medal in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Antarctic exploration. These expeditions were not just journeys, they were tests of survival, leadership, and human endurance in some of the harshest environments on Earth.

The medal itself symbolises courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of discovery. For those who received it, it marked their place in the Heroic Age of Polar Exploration - a time when the unknown truly was unknown.

Why not see it for yourself and explore the stories behind the explorers?

📍 Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm (last admission 4pm)

20/05/2026

Have you spotted the new May menu at Ernie’s Shackleton Experience Athy? ☕✨

Whether you’re in the mood for a speciality coffee, a refreshing drink, a savoury toastie, or something sweet, Ernie’s is the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Open to the public and accessible without a ticket, it’s the ideal stop during a day out in Athy 🌍

Make a day of it and explore everything Athy has to offer!

📍 Ernie’s is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm

Address

Town Hall, Emily Square
Athy
R14KW65

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+353876230063

Website

https://shackletonexperience.ie/

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