Shackleton Experience

About the museum

The Shackleton Experience stands in the historic Town Hall on Emily Square in Athy, a building of about 300 years. It grew from a small local museum, kept going by volunteers for decades, into the Athy Heritage Centre and then into a museum devoted to Ernest Shackleton, who was born in Kilkea in County Kildare. Kildare County Council redeveloped the protected building from 2023 and added a glass extension.

The exhibition follows Shackleton's three Antarctic expeditions: the Nimrod expedition of 1907 to 1909, the Endurance expedition of 1914 to 1916 in which the ship was crushed by ice and the whole crew survived, and the Quest expedition of 1921 to 1922, during which he died in South Georgia. Eleven galleries use film, sound and storytelling. Visitors see Shackleton's cabin from the ship Quest, a sledge and a dog harness, diaries and logs, models of the Endurance and Quest and a replica of the lifeboat James Caird.

Part of the displays also covers local history, with objects such as the town's rent table from 1533, stained glass windows from the former St Michael's church and a car from the 1903 Gordon Bennett race. The museum is run by Athy Heritage Company, a registered charity.

Highlights

• Shackleton's cabin from the ship Quest
• Sledge and dog harness from his expeditions
• Replica of the lifeboat James Caird
• Models of the Endurance and Quest
• Eleven galleries with film and storytelling
• Local history objects from Athy

Permanent exhibition

• The Shackleton Experience – Eleven self-guided galleries tell the story of Shackleton's expeditions with film, objects and replicas.

Operated by

Athy Heritage Company CLG

Admission & discounts

The prices are the standard prices; booking online in advance is cheaper (adult €15, senior and student €14.50, child 12 to 17 €12.50, child 5 to 11 €11, family €48, AR/VR device €4). From 24 October to 1 November 2026, one free child ticket (ages 5 to 17) is offered with each full-price adult or senior ticket booked online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

A lift at the rear of the building serves all levels, and the venue follows a universal-design approach. An audio-described version of the introductory film is available. The audio tour app includes versions in Irish Sign Language and British Sign Language. Service animals are allowed; other pets are not.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

Prams and strollers can be used throughout the exhibition. Interactive educational workshops are offered for schools and groups.

Getting there & parking

The museum is a few minutes from exit 3 of the M9 motorway, about 30 minutes from Kilkenny and about 45 minutes from Waterford.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Ernie's Café on the ground floor serves coffee, tea, cakes and light refreshments. The gift shop sells souvenirs, books and local crafts.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit