Kildare County Council wins at the LAMA Community and Council Awards 2026
Kildare County Council are delighted to announce that the Shackleton Experience in Athy, has been awarded the Reimagining Public Places Award at the 20th LAMA Community and Council Awards 2026.
The Shackleton Experience reopened last October following an investment of €8.3 million in a conservation led redevelopment of the former 300 year-old town hall in Athy which transformed a historic town centre landmark into a world-class cultural and tourism destination. The project combined architectural conservation with contemporary design, most notably the iconic glass extension known as the Iceberg, along with the cutting-edge exhibition design all of which provide a unique insight into the life and legacy of Ernest Shackleton.
The project was co-funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and Kildare County Council and has become a cornerstone of Athy’s town centre regeneration. It strengthens links with nearby attractions including the recently redeveloped Emily Square, the Barrow Blueway and the town’s emerging food and culture hubs.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, who were celebrating their 100-year anniversary, the awards highlight the achievements within local communities, Local Authorities, partnerships and projects across Ireland.
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