FAQs
Explore our FAQ section for answers to common questions about visiting the Shackleton Experience. Here you will find everything you need to plan your visit.
Plan Your Visit
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How does the October Mid-Term offer work?
1. One (1) free Child ticket (ages 5–17) is available with each full-price Adult or Senior admission ticket purchased.
2. The offer is valid for visits from Saturday 24 October 2026 to Sunday 1 November 2026 inclusive, during normal opening hours.
3. The offer is available only on tickets booked online in advance at shackletonexperience.ie. It is not available at the admissions desk or by phone, and cannot be applied to tickets already purchased.
4. The free Child ticket must be booked in the same transaction, for the same date and time slot, as the paying Adult or Senior ticket.
5. Children must be accompanied and supervised by the paying adult at all times during their visit.
6. Children under 5 go free all year round and do not require the offer.
7. The offer cannot be combined with the Family Pass, group rates (15+), school or educational bookings, trade or tour-operator rates, or any other promotion, promo code, partner offer or discount.
8. The offer covers standard admission only. Guided-tour supplements, café and shop purchases are charged at the standard price.
9. The offer is subject to availability and capacity limits on each time slot.
10. Tickets are non-transferable and are subject to the Shackleton Experience standard booking terms, including its refund and amendment policy.
11. The Shackleton Experience reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time without notice.
12. Personal data provided when booking is processed in line with the Shackleton Experience privacy policy.
13. Promoter: Shackleton Experience, Athy Town Hall, Athy, Co. Kildare.
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Why can I not book an under-5-year-old online?
Children under 5 years of age are free of charge. Please note that tickets for this age group cannot be prebooked online and will be added to the Shackleton Experience ticket at the ticket desk, subject to adherence to supervisory policy. For safety reasons, all children must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian with a ratio of 1 adult for up to 4 children. Shackleton Experience reserves the right to refuse admission where adequate supervision is not in place.
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Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Experience is fully accessible with a lift facilitating access to all levels.
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Can I purchase tickets online?
Yes, tickets can be purchased online and it is recommended to ensure entry at the preferred date and time slot. By booking in advance, you benefit from the best rates. Tickets may also be purchased at the ticket desk on arrival.
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Are there any discounts available?
Discounts are available for children, students, seniors, and group bookings.
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What are the nearby parking options?
Several parking options are available nearby, including public car parks within walking distance.
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Can I take photographs inside?
Photography is allowed in certain areas, but flash photography and tripods are generally prohibited.
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Is there a gift shop on site?
Yes, there is a gift shop offering a range of souvenirs, books, and local crafts.
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Are pets allowed inside?
Pets are not allowed inside, apart from service animals.
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What special events are held throughout the year?
Shackleton Experience hosts various events throughout the year, including Shackleton Autumn School. Check the website for upcoming events.
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What are the opening hours?
Shackleton Experience is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last admission is 3.30 PM.
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What educational experiences are offered for schools?
We offer interactive and engaging tours tailored to primary and secondary school students, focusing on polar exploration and the expeditions of Ernest Shackleton
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How long does a typical visit for primary school groups last?
A typical visit lasts 1 hour, providing ample time for exploration and learning.
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Are there any specific guidelines or rules for school visits?
Yes, teachers are asked to always supervise students. For primary and secondary school student groups supervisory policy is 1:10, 1 adult supervisor/teacher for every 10 students.
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How long would my visit take?
Shackleton Experience is a self-guided visit; the duration will depend on your pace. We recommend allowing a minimum of 90 minutes.
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Is there a guided tour?
The Shackleton Experience is self-guided. Our team are available to give extra information and guidance. A free multimedia guide to enhance the experience can be downloaded in advance of a visit at shackletonexperience.smartify.org/welcome.
Private guided tours are available at a supplementary charge, please contact bookings@shackletonexperience.ie.We provide a guided tour every Saturday, please see ‘Book Now’ page on our site.
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How do I download the multimedia guide (ap)?
Enhance your visit by utilising the free multimedia guides that can be downloaded in advance of a visit at shackletonexperience.smartify.org/welcome. Includes Adult / Child / Sign Language Tour and content is in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Irish. The multimedia guide also includes augmented reality features.
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Do I have to print out my booking confirmation to gain entry?
There is no need to print your booking confirmation email. Showing your booking confirmation email on your mobile device will suffice.
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How do I make a booking for a large group?
Groups of up to 14 people can be booked directly online at www.shackletonexperience.ie. For groups of over 15 people please contact our bookings team at bookings@shackletonexperience.ie. Special rates apply.
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I have to cancel my booking. Can I get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable.
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Can I change the date of my booking?
If you wish to change the date and/or time of your booking simply email bookings@shackletonexperience.ie. State your name, booking reference and the date and time you wish to change your booking to, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Please note these changes are subject to availability.
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Where can I find accommodation in Athy and in Co.Kildare?
Kildare offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences including luxury hotels, guesthouses, self-catering and unique stays. For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of places to stay, we recommend visiting the Discover Ireland website https://www.discoverireland.ie/accommodation or INTO Kildare website https://intokildare.ie/accommodation/.
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Do children need to be accompanied by an adult?
Children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times when visiting. Adults must be parents or guardians. There must be ratio of 1:4, 1 adult to 4 children.
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Is there a coach parking available?
There is a coach drop off point Shackleton Experience. If your group are arriving by coach please advise our bookings team who will share the coach drop off/pick up instructions.
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Is there a maximum number of students allowed per school group?
Yes, we can accommodate a maximum of 60 pupils per group to ensure an optimal learning experience for all students.
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