The Shackleton Autumn School celebrates the importance of the polar regions, exploration and Kildare born Ernest Shackleton through a series of lectures, educational workshops, panel discussions, arts, and drama installations
- Taking place from Friday, 24th October – Sunday, 26th October in locations across Athy including the newly redeveloped Shackleton Experience
- Special guests include Carly Eck, Vice President and Brand Curator at Burberry who will discuss the clothing brands surprising role in polar exploration, Paul Clammer, travel writer, Mark Richards, figure and portrait sculptor, Dr. Emma Puranen, polar researcher and many more
The Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare, the only institution in the world dedicated to the extraordinary life and achievements of Ernest Shackleton, the legendary polar explorer who was born just outside Athy, is hosting the 25th Shackleton Autumn School this Friday, 24th October – Sunday, 26th October.
The weekend promises to be jam packed with engaging events including thought-provoking presentations, lively panel discussions, polar themed crafts, and an inspiring series of talks. Topics will range from deep-ocean exploration and the life and legacy of Ernest Shackleton, to Burberry’s surprising role in polar expeditions, the pressing challenges of climate change, and first-hand accounts from modern explorers who have journeyed to Antarctica.
The programme of events will take place in a range of locations across Athy and Shackleton Autumn School ticket holders will also have free access to visit the newly redeveloped Shackleton Experience throughout the weekend.
The Shackleton Experience, housed in Athy’s 300-year-old Town Hall on Emily Square, has been transformed into a world-class visitor attraction following a €7.5 million investment from Kildare County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The venue combines the world’s largest collection of Shackleton artefacts in the world with cutting-edge technology and immersive, interactive exhibits.
The 25th Shackleton Autumn School will feature a number of expert talks from special guests including (in alphabetical order by surname):
- Anders Bache, Archaeologist and Curator
- Paul Clammer, Travel Writer and Editor
- Carly Eck, Vice President and Curator of Brand, Archive and Heritage at Burberry
- Rory Golden, Diver, Explorer and Public Speaker
- Anne Hofer, Undergraduate Student of Archaeology and Folklore at UCD
- Holger Köthe, descendant of the great German explorer, Erich Von Drygalski
- Dr. Emma Johanna Puranen, Polar Researcher
- Mark Richards, Sculptor specialising in fine figurative work
- Allegra Rosenberg, Writer and Editor based in New York City
- Rob Stephenson, Founder of the Antarctic Circle, an informal international group of scholars and knowledgeable amateurs interested or involved with non-specific Antarctic studies
- John Sweeney, Emeritus Professor at Maynooth University
- Josh Taplin, Multidisciplinary artist from Kent
- Fabiënne Tetteroo, BA in Art History and MA in Naval History
- Marv White, Museum-orientated Digital Communications Specialist
Now in its 25th year, The Shackleton Autumn School brings together historians, polar enthusiasts, Shackleton admirers, scientists and explorers of all ages and expertise from around the world for a unique weekend of celebration, discovery and adventure. Tickets are on sale now for a limited time and are available here – https://shackletonmuseum.com/shop/autumn-school-tickets/
Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, says:
“We are delighted to be celebrating the 25th year of the Shackleton Autumn School, especially as it coincides with the opening of the newly redeveloped Shackleton Experience. This year’s programme brings together leading voices from across the world to share insights, stories, and inspiration. It’s not just about celebrating Shackleton’s legacy, but about sparking new conversations around exploration, science, and the challenges of our time, including climate change. We look forward to welcoming visitors both local and international to Athy for what promises to be a truly memorable weekend.”
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 can look forward to seeing over 200 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 Shackleton Experience – Unmissable for families, schools, polar enthusiasts, culture and
history fans, leadership experts as well as adventure and endurance sports devotees
Located less than an hour from Dublin and served by regular trains from Dublin’s Heuston Station, the Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare is easily accessible from surrounding counties including Carlow, Laois, and Kilkenny.
Visit shackletonexperience.ie to learn more about the Shackleton Experience
To keep up to date with the Shackleton Experience, follow:
Instagram @ShackletonExperienceAthy
Facebook @shackletonexperienceathy
LinkedIn @Shackleton Experience Athy
ENDS
About Into Kildare
Into Kildare is the official tourism body for County Kildare, dedicated to promoting the county’s heritage, bustling towns, scenic landscapes, and world-class sporting and leisure offerings. Working collaboratively with local tourism providers and communities, Into Kildare creates unforgettable visitor experiences. Discover more, whether you’re planning a day trip, an immersive weekend, or a longer stay, at www.intokildare.ie.
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