By Business & Finance 
Aline FitzGerald is an accomplished professional in the tourism, hospitality, and travel industries, with extensive experience in operations, business development, and corporate sales. As General Manager of the Shackleton Experience in Athy, she leads the development and delivery of what is a world-class visitor experience rooted in Ireland’s polar exploration heritage.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What was your first job?
My first job was actually waitressing at the Keadeen Hotel in Kildare, which definitely sparked a lasting interest in the hospitality industry for me.
That early experience has strongly influenced my career path and really resonates with my current role as General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, where I engage with the public every day and focus on ensuring each visitor has a memorable and enjoyable experience.
What are your main priorities and goals in your current role?
The main priority in my current role is making sure every visitor who walks through our doors has a truly special experience, while also raising awareness of the Shackleton Experience both nationally and internationally.
We had such a fantastic launch, with really positive feedback from both local visitors and those travelling from outside Ireland, and I’m focused on continuing to share Shackleton’s story and legacy with even wider audiences.
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
I’ve worked in tourism throughout my career, much of it spent promoting Ireland as a destination and enthusiastically sharing everything our fabulous country has to offer.
I’m very proud of this little island, and I’ve always loved travelling around it, exploring and visiting different tourist attractions.
Working within those attractions – from being involved in the opening of the GPO Museum to now leading the Shackleton Experience – has felt like a very natural progression, and I genuinely enjoy engaging with visitors and sharing these stories with them.
How do you motivate yourself and your team?
For me, the most important thing is to love what you do, surround yourself with a strong team, and work with colleagues and organisations that genuinely value your input.
I really believe in doing what you love. When it comes to motivating my team, I focus on understanding where they might need support or where they’d like to develop, while also giving them the space to shine. We all have different strengths, and there’s real satisfaction in having the opportunity to bring your own ideas and initiatives to life.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
In business, I define success as making the Shackleton Experience a household name – a must-see attraction that people return to again and again, rather than something that sits on a distant bucket list.
It’s about creating a sense of urgency: not ‘someday’, but something people feel they have to experience now.
How do you relax?
Every day working at the Shackleton Experience is different and can be quite full-on, so for me, there’s nothing better than getting out for a hike, walking my dog, or catching up with a good friend.
What is your favourite non-business book?
I’ve really enjoyed The Covenant of Water and Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese – both are books I’d happily recommend.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I’ve received many pieces of advice over the years, depending on what was happening at the time.
One that has always stayed with me is to trust your gut and not be afraid to step out onto the skinny branches. Stepping outside my comfort zone has consistently paid off for me, and I’ve found that the biggest opportunities often come from taking that leap.
How do you handle adversity?
When I face adversity, I find it’s important to take a step back, take stock, and look at the situation objectively.
There is always a solution, and I’ve learned that working with the people around you, taking inspiration from others, and believing in what you can contribute makes a real difference.
Shackleton himself is an excellent example of this – he faced immense challenges and still managed to lead his team through the toughest circumstances by staying calm, resourceful, and focused on the goal. Your perspective is everything.
What are the aspirations for the future of the business?
Looking ahead, we want the Shackleton Experience to be recognised as one of the top ten polar experiences globally, with a research facility that’s respected worldwide.
At the same time, we’re committed to supporting the local economy and playing a key role in Athy’s future development.
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