Visit the Shackleton Experience in Athy, Kildare

Opening Times

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm

Also open by *exception on Monday, 1^st June 2026
Closed Sunday, Monday and *Public Holidays.

Tickets

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How to Get Here

Emily Square, Athy,
Co. Kildare, Ireland. R14 KW65

Shackleton Experience

Welcome to a journey that marries the bravery
of the past with modern storytelling.

Immerse yourself in a narrative of resilience and adventure as you explore the raw determination of Shackleton and his crew. The Shackleton Experience is destined to become one of the world’s great polar museums. Nestled within the heart of Athy, in County Kildare just 40 minutes by train from Dublin’s Heuston Station and minutes from exit 3 on the M9 Motorway. The Experience stands as the gateway to an era of daring exploration.

Book TICKETS

The Experience

Chart a Course Through History

Delve into the heart of an era defined by perseverance. Our interactive exhibits and archival treasures bring to life the epic struggles against nature’s fury, inviting you to experience firsthand the unbreakable will that powered one of history’s greatest expeditions.

Explore — Experience — Engage

Discover

What Awaits You

Educational Workshops And Guided Tours

Join interactive sessions and behind the scenes tours that bring historical narratives to life for visitors of all ages.
Artefact Collections

Discover rare relics, personal diaries, and memorabilia that reveal untold stories of the expeditions.
Interactive Exhibits

Engage with digital maps, archival photographs, and immersive displays that chart Shackleton’s epic journey.

plan your visit

Visit The Shackleton
Experience

Ready to set sail on an unforgettable adventure? Explore our detailed visitor information, plan your itinerary, and join a community of modern explorers on a voyage that transcends time.

Getting Here
About The Experience
Explore Athy
Merchant Shop
Shackleton Café

What People Are
Saying About
The Experience

“An adrenaline-filled exhibition, awe-inspiring, shocking and exciting.”

TripAdvisor Review

– January, 2026
“Blown away by the quality of installations… expertly curated and up there with some of the best museums I have visited globally”.

TripAdvisor Review

– April, 2026
Heroic Tale of Survival Brought To Life

Couples

History is brought to life in this dynamic exhibition that blends contemporary audio-visual presentation with traditional story-telling to recreate the legendary survival of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-1917) and its ship, the Endurance, embodying the motto “Through endurance we conquer” as the crew overcame the harshness of Antarctica to be rescued, highlighting incredible human resilience, leadership, and courage.

This exhibition is a must see for all the family. It incorporates a universal design approach which makes it suitable for all ages to enjoy.

TripAdvisor

– April, 2026
Wonderful Visit / Exceeded Expectations

I visited the Shackleton Experience with my two grandsons, aged 4 & 8. It was a wonderful experience, from the moment we walked into the beautiful building. The ambience here is inviting and comfortable. The quality of the audiovisual is outstanding, black & white historical clips intermixed with modern design & photography. Throughout the three floors, there is lots to see & read. The children loved the theatre of the boat & telescopes on the floor. The cafe is small but comfortable with exceptionally helpful staff & very nice treats. Lift available, plenty of space for movement on all floors. The visit exceeded my expectations.

TripAdvisor

– April, 2026

News & Events

News

A New Digital Home for the Shackleton Experience

October 8, 2025
Events, News

Unveiling of Made of Athy Plaque to Frank Taaffe

July 2, 2025
Ernest Shackleton, Events

Happy Birthday to The Boss – Ernest Shackleton

February 15, 2025