Kildare's Shackleton to feature in new book on famous mariners

County Kildare’s own Antarctic hero, Ernest Shackleton, is being honoured once again — this time in a new book from O’Brien Press.

Famous Irish Mariners, by Emma Byrne, explores Ireland’s maritime history and highlights the extraordinary life of Shackleton, born in Kilkea in 1874.

Though raised far from the sea, Shackleton became one of the most famous explorers of the early twentieth century.

The book recounts his early voyages, his leadership during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, and the dramatic events that followed when his ship, Endurance, was trapped and crushed in Antarctic ice in 1915.

Byrne details Shackleton’s remarkable rescue mission: the survival of his crew on drifting ice floes, their journey by lifeboat to Elephant Island, and the now-legendary 800-mile open-boat voyage in the James Caird to reach South Georgia and arrange the rescue of every man.

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The author places Shackleton’s achievements alongside other celebrated Irish seafarers, underlining Ireland’s often overlooked contribution to global exploration.

The book also notes the growing interest in Shackleton’s story in his native Kildare, where the Shackleton Museum in Athy continues to attract visitors from Ireland and abroad.

Famous Irish Mariners is available now from O’Brien Press and Irish booksellers.