Kildare's Shackleton Experience named Best Europe Tourism Project 2026
Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of The Shackleton Experience accepted the award for the Athy attraction
The Shackleton Experience in Athy has been named Best Europe Tourism Project 2026 at the British Guild of Travel Writers International Tourism Awards, marking a major international accolade for the County Kildare attraction.
The award was presented at the Guild’s Gala Awards Dinner in London on November 2, ahead of World Travel Market.
Located in Athy’s historic Town Hall, the Shackleton Experience brings the life, expeditions and legacy of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton to life through interactive exhibits, archival material and immersive storytelling. Since opening in October 2025, it has welcomed 30,000 visitors from more than 25 countries.
Over 200 artefacts are on display, 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 also enjoy a deeply immersive experience where they join the crew of the Endurance as they battle the Antarctic ice, complete with crashing waves and dramatic wind effects. A café called ‘Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience’, a gift shop and an exhibition exploring the history of Athy are also on-site.
The attraction was nominated by freelance journalist and British Guild of Travel Writers member Isabel Conway following a visit to Athy facilitated by Into Kildare. Hosted as part of the county tourism body’s ongoing media engagement programme, Isabel experienced the attraction first-hand and explored the wider tourism offering in Athy.
The awards recognise new tourism projects around the world that Guild members believe deserve wider international recognition. The Shackleton Experience was shortlisted among Europe’s best tourism projects before being voted the 2026 winner by Guild members.
Chloe McGrory, Tourism Manager at Into Kildare, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Aline and the entire Shackleton Experience team, and a proud moment for Athy and County Kildare.
“We were delighted to host Isabel Conway and introduce her to the attraction. Her nomination underlines the value of bringing travel writers to Kildare to discover our tourism experiences first-hand, and we thank her for championing the Shackleton Experience internationally.”
Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, said: “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious accolade just over a year after opening! It is a phenomenal tribute to every single person who helped bring the Shackleton Experience to life.
“Shackleton’s legendary story truly has a worldwide audience, and we are so proud to showcase it right here in Athy, his home county. We hope this inspires even more visitors to come discover the experience and explore everything our fantastic town has to offer!”
Into Kildare congratulates Aline FitzGerald and the Shackleton Experience team on this international recognition and thanks Isabel Conway for championing the attraction.
Discover the extraordinary story of Sir Ernest Shackleton at the award-winning Shackleton Experience in Athy’s historic Town Hall. For opening times, tickets and information to plan your visit, visit shackletonexperience.ie