Spectacular line-up of world leading polar adventurers, explorers, historians, researchers and authors, to gather in Athy, Co. Kildare in October for 26th Shackleton Autumn School
Hosted by The Shackleton Experience, Athy, the only institution in the world dedicated to Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, attendees will enjoy three days of fascinating discussion, debate and celebration from
Friday, 16th October – Sunday, 18th October
- Special guests include award-winning author and exploration historian Katherine MacInnes, whose bestselling book Snow Widows tells the story of Captain Scott’s final Antarctic expedition through the women left behind, Dr Dylan Colbert, who will discuss Shackleton’s pioneering leadership and Neil Pepper, polar historian and researcher
World leading Shackleton experts, polar historians, explorers and adventure enthusiasts will gather in Athy this October as the much-loved Shackleton Autumn School returns for its 26th year.
Taking place from Friday 16th – Sunday 18th October, the internationally recognised festival transforms the town into a vibrant hub of exploration, history and discovery. Hosted by The Shackleton Autumn School Committee in partnership with The Shackleton Experience, Athy, the only institution in the world dedicated to the life of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, the weekend brings together an extraordinary line-up of world-renowned speakers alongside visitors travelling from across Ireland and overseas.
Over three days, attendees will experience fascinating talks, films and cultural events celebrating Shackleton’s remarkable legacy while exploring the wider stories of Antarctic exploration, leadership, endurance and human resilience, as well as the science and environmental challenges shaping our understanding of the polar regions today. From acclaimed authors uncovering untold stories of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration to behavioural scientists examining the leadership lessons that continue to influence businesses today, the programme offers something for lifelong Shackleton fans and first-time visitors alike.
The programme of events will take place in locations across Athy and Shackleton Autumn School ticket holders will also have free access to visit the Shackleton Experience throughout the weekend.
The 26th Shackleton Autumn School will feature a number of expert talks from special guests including (in alphabetical order by surname):
- Dr Dylan Colbert, performance psychologist, behavioural scientist and lecturer
- Ali Gellatly, Ship and Facilities Director at Dundee Heritage Trust, the charity responsible for the care and conservation of Captain Scott’s Royal Research Ship Discovery
- Katherine MacInnes, award-winning author and exploration historian, best known for ‘Snow Widows’, which tells the story of Captain Scott’s final Antarctic expedition through the experiences of the women left behind
- Steven Marston, grandson of George Marston, the artist and expedition member who accompanied Shackleton on both the Nimrod and Endurance expeditions
- Craig Mathieson, Scottish polar explorer, expedition leader, youth mentor and Founder of the Polar Academy, a Scottish Charity that helps young people build confidence and resilience through life-changing Arctic expeditions
- Neil Pepper, polar historian and researcher with a long-standing interest in Antarctic exploration and its legacy
- Allegra Rosenberg, New York-based writer and editor with a particular interest in exploration history
- Fabiënne Tetteroo, historian from The Hague, Netherlands
- Hugh Turner, nephew of Apsley Cherry-Garrard, Captain Scott’s expedition member and author of The Worst Journey in the World
Now in its 26th 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.
Early Bird Tickets are on sale until August 31st. Book before the deadline to avail of early bird pricing and secure your place at this year’s Shackleton Autumn School. Tickets are available here: https://shackletonexperience.ie/shackleton-autumn-school/
Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, says: “There’s a really special atmosphere in Athy during the Shackleton Autumn School. For one weekend every year, our town becomes a meeting place for some of the world’s leading experts on polar exploration, alongside visitors who simply share a fascination with Ernest Shackleton’s incredible story. You’ll find internationally renowned historians chatting with locals, seasoned explorers sharing stories with first-time visitors and people travelling from across the globe to celebrate Shackleton’s legacy. It’s an incredibly welcoming weekend with something for everyone, and we’re looking forward to once again welcoming both our local community and visitors from around the world to celebrate.”
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 immersive, interactive experiences and 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 sledge and harness used on the Nimrod Expedition and a recreated 1920s cinema showcasing rare archival footage from Shackleton’s expeditions.
The Shackleton Experience – Unmissable for families, schools, polar enthusiasts,
culture and history fans 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
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