If you don’t know who Ernest Shackleton is, don’t worry. I wasn’t aware of his name until 2025 and I’ve worked in the travel industry for years. It’s likely that, if you’re reading this, you either have some idea of who he is or you’re planning a trip to County Kildare in Ireland. Either way, I’m happy to answer your burning questions about whether it is worth visiting the Shackleton Experience in Athy or not.
As a part of a FAM tour I was a part of in 2025, I had a sneak peek behind the scenes right before they opened in 2025. Even without prior knowledge of Shackleton, the museum left a memorable impression.
Where to Stay in County Kildare
Looking for where to stay during your visit to County Kildare? I’ve listed my top recommendations below. If you’re looking for more in-depth information here’s a post on Where to Stay in County Kildare and another on my honest review of Barberstown Castle.
- 🏆 Travel with TMc Favourite – Killashee Hotel and Roísín Dubh Houseboat
- ✨ Unique – Roísín Dubh Houseboat
- 📍 Location – Silken Thomas or The Rooms at Firecastle
- 🛏️ Budget – Forest Farm Caravan and Camping
- 💸 Luxury – The K Club
- 💚 Romantic – Barberstown Castle
- 🥰 Weddings – Clanard Court Hotel
- 👨👩👦👦 Families and Groups – The Rooms at Firecastle
- 👀 I’ve Got My Eye On – Kilkea Castle and Stable Yard House at Burtown House and Gardens
Who is Sir Ernest Shackleton?
Ernest Shackleton was born in 1874 in Kilkea, County Kildare, Ireland, only 10 minutes away from where the Shackleton Experience is today. What makes him so special? Not only was he a part of record-breaking expeditions to the southern pole between 1901 and 1904, he edited Antarctica’s first newspaper, the South Polar Times, his regard for his crew mates and his level-headedness superceded his ego, and every man on his ship, The Endurance, lived despite being shipwrecked and stranded at the bottom of the Earth for months. Sir Shackleton was also a technological pioneer, taking Antarctica’s first aerial portrait from a hydrogen balloon in 1902. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg (I couldn’t resist!) about his incredible life and accomplishments.
Is It Worth it to Visit the Shackleton Experience? (An Honest Review)
After the FAM trip, it was so hard not to share any photos or stories. I could sense how special this place was and the ripple effects it would have for the locals in Athy and the greater county area. Lucky for both you and me, I had the opportunity to revisit in 2026 and have the full museum experience. It. was. Fantastic.
Below I’ll go into details about what makes a visit worth it, as well as 6 cool things for you to look out for when you visit the Shackleton Experience.
What makes it worth visiting the Shackleton Experience?
There are a few special traits that make the Shackleton Experience more than just any other museum.
- First, the gorgeously renovated 300-year old building is impressive in and of itself. Originally an open-ended market house for trading livestock and fresh produce, it has had lives as a courthouse during the 1798 rebellion, a fire station from the 1960s to 2000, and a heritage centre with a ground floor museum and an upstairs library and dance hall. Without giving too much away, the striking new iceberg façade will catch your attention before the historic interior equally ignites your senses.
- Second, the museum is perfect for all ages with its multi-sensory exhibits. From life-size boat replicas to the chance to pull heavy sleds like the explorers, to a peek into Shackleton’s actual ship cabin, kids and adults alike will love all of the interactive exhibits. Another reason to visit is that it is the world’s only museum dedicated to Ernest Shackleton.
- Third, there are roughly 200 Shackleton and polar exploration artefacts on display. It’s the largest collection of its kind in the world.
- Fourth, don’t miss the cinema showing actual footage from his expeditions.
- Fifth, it is the only museum in the world dedicated to Sir Ernest Shackleton.
- 30,000 people visited the Shackleton Experience in its first year of being open!
*I could keep on going about why it’s worth it to visit, however I don’t want to give away too much in advance of your own in-person experience!
6 Things to Look for During Your Visit to the Shackleton Experience
Who doesn’t love gamifying their life? I do! Treasure hunts add a fun element to an already interesting visit. While you’re at the Shackleton Experience, keep an eye out for these 6 unique museum features:
- The bronze memorial statue outside of the Shackleton Experience in Emily Square
- The mural of the man himself seen through the rear museum windows
- The oldest piece of Renaissance art in Ireland (Hint: It’s heavy!)
- The most expensive biscuit in the world
- The former parking spot for the fire trucks
- A recording of Ernest’s voice
Quick Facts about Ernest Shackleton
- Shackleton was one of 10 children.
- He doesn’t appear in the picture of the expedition where he reached the furthest south because he was the photographer.
- Stranded and shipwrecked, Shackleton and 5 of his crew sailed nearly 1,300 km in a life boat in the freezing and formidable Southern Ocean…and lived to tell the tale! (You learn all sorts about his ship, the Endurance, and its harrowing expedition at the museum.)
- Shackleton died at 47 years old of a heart attack in 1922 on his 4th trek to the Antarctic while aboard the Quest. His wife Emily decided that he should be buried in Grytviken in South Georgia instead of his body returning to the UK.
- Sir Ernest wasn’t the only notable Shackleton, though to date he is the most well-known. His first cousin, Isabel Shackleton, left her own legacy behind in County Kildare. An avid gardener, she married into the Burtown family and is the woman who created most of the garden layouts at Burtown House. Isabel is one of several Shackleton family members who had an impact during their time and in the years since. Today, extended family members such as Georgia Shackleton of the Shackleon Trio, a folk band that performs songs written by the explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shackleton Experience
Cost and How to Book the Shackleton Experience
Self-Guided Visits start at €15. There’s a free downloadable AR with added storytelling at each exhibit stop. For an extra €4, add the Audio Tour App which is available in English, Gaeilge, French, Spanish, Italian, German, ISL (Irish Sign Language), and BSL (British Sign Language). If you and your group prefer to have a private guide, they are available for an extra cost and must be booked through [email protected].
Tickets can be purchased online. Booking in advance is suggested so that you have your preferred date and time slot. You can also buy tickets on-site at the front desk.
Pro Tip: Book your visit during the week to give yourself more time to see all of the 11 exhibits.
Where is the Shackleton Experience Located?
Centrally-located in Athy, the Shackleton Experience is in Emily Square.
Parking Information for the Shackleton Experience
Paid street parking around Emily Square is available for museum visitors. There are also parking lots a short walk away from the venue.
How Long Do You Need at the Shackleton Experience?
If you’re a tortoise like me, you’ll want to double the suggested 1 hour for the self-guided experience. The Audio Tour App lasts around 1.5 hours.
Is the Shackleton Experience Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes, the whole museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to Athy, County Kildare
Athy is located in County Kildare, which is quite close to the capital city. If you’re driving from Dublin, start on the M9 and then hop onto N78, then following signs for Dublin Road and Leinster Street.
Trains in Ireland are pretty great, so if you’re without a car, check out Irish Rail. Whatever direction you’re coming from, simply get off at Athy Station. In this circumstance, I wouldn’t suggest a coach bus. Train’s your best eco-friendly bet.
More Ideas to Plan Your Trip to County Kildare
Curious to get a glimpse of County Kildare before you arrive? Have a sneak peek here!
Check out this blog post on Where to Stay in County Kildare and this one about planning a Weekend in County Kildare. Send me a DM on Instagram or through my website contact page and I’ll be happy to help where possible.
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Helpful Tips for Booking Your Trips
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Car Rentals
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Activities
Get Your Guide is a fantastic resource for different activities to try when travelling. They have everything from walking tours, food tours, tickets to attractions, and multi-day trips, and more. Check out this super cool view I had of Tallinn when I was in Estonia for the Christmas markets in 2023, all because of a Get Your Guide experience. My favourite tour so far that I’ve been on with Get Your Guide is a fantastic walking food tour I did in Dublin. That experience had a wild twist, but you’ll have to read this blog post to find out why!
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