Athy honours Shackleton with vibrant autumn festival
Athy will host an enriched autumn festival celebrating the enduring legacy of Ernest Shackleton. The event, from 16 to 18 October, combines culture, heritage, and local enterprise to inspire visitors and strengthen the town's community spirit.
Source:
Kildare County Council
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⏱️ 2 min read
Athy is set to celebrate the remarkable life of Ernest Shackleton with an expanded Autumn School and festival running from Friday, 16 October to Sunday, 18 October 2026. This free event, organised by Kildare County Council alongside the Shackleton Committee and the Shackleton Experience, promises a rich blend of cultural, artistic, and family-friendly activities that honour Shackleton's extraordinary leadership and resilience during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration.
The festival will feature expert talks, live music, storytelling, art exhibitions, children’s workshops, film screenings, and heritage experiences that highlight Shackleton’s connection to Athy. A standout addition this year is the Athy Farmer’s Market in Emily Square on Saturday, 17 October, showcasing local artisan food producers, craft makers, and creative entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant community hub and offering visitors a taste of the best regional produce and craftsmanship.
Local businesses, cafés, restaurants, pubs, and community venues across Athy will actively participate by hosting exhibitions and cultural experiences inspired by themes of exploration and adventure. Councillor Mark Leigh, Cathaoirleach of Athy MD, emphasised how the festival not only celebrates a global heritage story but also strengthens community pride and supports local economic vitality. Jacqui McNabb, Head of Economic Development at Kildare County Council, highlighted the synergy between tourism and local enterprise, noting that the festival encourages visitors to explore, linger, and contribute to the town’s economy. Supported by the EU Presidency Cultural Programme, this expanded programme reflects a commitment to cultural tourism, town-centre activation, and sustainable development. The full event details are available on the official Shackleton Experience website.
The festival will feature expert talks, live music, storytelling, art exhibitions, children’s workshops, film screenings, and heritage experiences that highlight Shackleton’s connection to Athy. A standout addition this year is the Athy Farmer’s Market in Emily Square on Saturday, 17 October, showcasing local artisan food producers, craft makers, and creative entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant community hub and offering visitors a taste of the best regional produce and craftsmanship.
Local businesses, cafés, restaurants, pubs, and community venues across Athy will actively participate by hosting exhibitions and cultural experiences inspired by themes of exploration and adventure. Councillor Mark Leigh, Cathaoirleach of Athy MD, emphasised how the festival not only celebrates a global heritage story but also strengthens community pride and supports local economic vitality. Jacqui McNabb, Head of Economic Development at Kildare County Council, highlighted the synergy between tourism and local enterprise, noting that the festival encourages visitors to explore, linger, and contribute to the town’s economy. Supported by the EU Presidency Cultural Programme, this expanded programme reflects a commitment to cultural tourism, town-centre activation, and sustainable development. The full event details are available on the official Shackleton Experience website.
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