Plan Your Visit to Shackleton Experience

Opening Times

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm

Closed on Sunday, Monday and Public Holidays.

Tickets

How to Get Here

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

Explore detailed visitor information, plan your itinerary, and join a community of modern explorers on a voyage that transcends time.

Our Location

Centrally located in the Historic Town Hall Building, Athy, Co. Kildare.

Nestled in the Historic Town Hall Building in Athy, Co. Kildare, the Shackleton Experience is at the heart of a vibrant heritage town. Overlooking Emily Square, it’s easily reached—just under an hour from Dublin and minutes from Exit 3 on the M9 Motorway.

Opening Times:

Monday
Closed

Tuesday
10am – 5pm

Wednesday
10am – 5pm

Thursday
10am – 5pm

Friday
10am – 5pm

Saturday
10am – 5pm

Sunday
Closed

Last Admission 4pm. Closed on Sunday, Monday and Public Holidays.

Getting Here

Google Maps

By Train:

40 minutes from Dublin Heuston Station.
30 minutes from Kilkenny’s McDonagh
Junction.
Athy Train Station is a short walk or taxi
ride from the Shackleton Experience.

By Car:

Approximately 30 minutes from Kilkenny
city centre via the M9.
Around 45 minutes from Waterford using the M9 northbound route.

Parking:

Car Parking available at these locations:
– Meeting Lane Car Park – daily rate
– Catherine McCauley Car Park – hourly/daily rate
Coach drop-off only.

Admission And Tickets

Find the right ticket for your visit— Self-guided tour, allow approximately 1 hour for your visit.

	Standard Rate	Online Rate
General Admission (Self-Guided)	€17.00	€15.00
Seniors (65+ yrs)	€15.00	€14.50
Student (over 18 yrs)	€15.00	€14.50
Child (12 yrs – 17 yrs)	€13.00	€12.50
Child (5 yrs – 11 yrs)	€11.50	€11.00
Child (up to 5 yrs)	Free of charge
Family (2 + 2)	€52.00	€48.00
Additional child on family ticket	Child rates apply
Essential Carer	Free of charge
AR / VR Device	€5.00	€4.00

Group & Tour Operators:

Special rates apply for groups and travel trade. Please email bookings@shackletonexperience.ie, or click below to complete our Group Enquiry Form.

Group Enquiry

Groups Visits

The Shackleton Experience will appeal to a wide range of visitors including, Tour Operators, Adventure Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Group Organisers, Coach Operators, Language Schools, Special Interest, Community & Education Groups.

Note groups of up to 14 people can be booked directly online. For groups of over 15 people please contact our bookings team at bookings@shackletonexperience.ie. Groups will save on admission prices and receive group welcome and orientation.

Accessibility

The Shackleton Experience is fully accessible and welcomes all visitors.

Wheelchair users, prams, and strollers can navigate the entire exhibit comfortably. A dedicated lift is located at the rear of the building, providing easy access to all levels and exhibition areas. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone, regardless of mobility needs.

What To Expect

Travel in the footsteps of Ireland’s polar explorers as you trace their incredible journeys to the edge of the known world.

Artefact Collections

Authentic artefacts, including Shackleton’s original sledge and harness.
Powerful Storytelling

Powerful audio-visual storytelling and expedition footage.
Immersive Displays

Immersive displays revealing the courage, leadership, and resilience of Ernest Shackleton and his crew

What People Are
Saying About
The Experience

Absolutely fantastic, loved it, real dedication to keeping Shackleton’s legend alive. Really looking forward to it getting extended.

MJ – Google Review

– April, 2023
Lovely surprise find as we never knew Shackleton came from near here. The motor racing and war stories were an extra bonus. Well worth an hour or two if you’re passing.

John G – Google Review

– September, 2023
Friendly and informative staff. Interesting displays and so much history all under one roof.

Hazel F – Google Review

– September, 2023
A beautiful building hosts this museum. They are planning a renovation which will be sympathetic to the original presentation of the building. Lots of diverse information and displays which showcase the heritage of Kildare and particularly Athy.

J F – Google Review

– September, 2023

Keep the Legacy Alive

Be part of something bigger. Your membership ensures Shackleton’s story continues to educate, inspire, and challenge future generations to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Today