Learn about the adventures of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton on Culture Night in Athy

The Shackleton Experience, Athy, the only institution in the world dedicated to the life and achievements of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, is celebrating Culture Night on Friday, September 18 with a free 30-minute highlights tour.

While tickets are free, they must be pre-booked in advance. This special Culture Night tour of The Shackleton Experience offers visitors a glimpse into one of the greatest survival stories in history, while discovering the remarkable Kildare roots of one of the world’s most celebrated polar explorers. Born in Kilkea, just outside Athy in 1874, Ernest Shackleton’s extraordinary story is brought to life at The Shackleton Experience through dramatic digital storytelling, sensory effects and recreated environments that offer visitors the chance to step into his world.

Visitors on Culture Night can look forward to immersive, interactive experiences and a range of incredible artefacts, including the actual cabin where Ernest Shackleton died of a heart attack on the ship Quest during the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition in 1922, the sledge and harness used on the Nimrod Expedition, and a recreated 1920s cinema showcasing rare archival footage from Shackleton’s expeditions.

Visitors can browse the gift shop at The Shackleton Experience, which features a carefully curated selection of Irish-made gifts, including ceramics, candles, scarves and handcrafted products, alongside exclusive Shackleton merchandise, books, stationery and souvenirs.

The onsite café, Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience, will also be adding to the Culture Night atmosphere with complimentary Bovril, celebrating Shackleton’s historic connection with the brand, for which he was once a poster boy. Visitors can also enjoy tasters of The Explorer Brack, a traditional tea brack inspired by Shackleton’s global adventures and featuring flavours from around the world.

Visitors are also invited to explore The Athy Story on the ground floor of The Shackleton Experience, which will be open throughout the evening for those looking to discover more about the town’s rich heritage. The full Shackleton Experience tour will be available through pre-booked tickets only.

Book your place now here