Join us for an evening of mystery on one of our infamous After Dark Tours at Spike Island this Halloween season.
Not for the faint-hearted, our After Dark Tours bring you to areas of the island, usually off limits to the public, where spine-chilling stories of some of Ireland’s most notorious murders and deviants are brought to life.
Prepare to be led through eerie tunnels and abandoned prison cells under the cover of darkness. Explore the haunting corridors of an abandoned prison, find yourself in the heart of solitary confinement, and immerse yourself in a place once infamously known as ‘Ireland’s Hell’ on this unique tour
This Halloween, embrace the spookiest season of all by diving into Spike Island’s dark history. Book your tickets now if you dare!
Get ready for a spooktacular adventure like no other!
Join us at Spike Island for the ultimate family-friendly Halloween event, The Spookfest Trail.
Saturday 26 – Thursday 31 October 2024
Bring your little goblins and witches and hop on board the fun ferry before embarking on a fang-tastic adventure through the mysterious Spike Island where you will find areas of the ancient fortress and prison transformed into a realm of Halloween wonderland!
Along with their families, the little ones can then trick or treat their way around the fortress with our brand new Halloween themed quiz trail – keep an eye out for our friendly tour guides who will be handing out sweet treats along the way!
Once your trick or treating is complete, you can relax at our cafe and gift shop. And that’s not all, our historic island offers an array of museums and child-friendly exhibitions as well as scenic island walks.
Don’t miss out on this unique Halloween experience, where history meets spook-tacular fun! Get your costumes ready and join us for an afternoon of enchantment, exploration, and Halloween surprises – the Spike Island Spookfest Trail promises a memorable Halloween experience that will delight children and parents alike.
Meet Our Artists-in-Residence: Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring
Spike Island is proud to welcome Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring as our current Artists-in-Residence.
About the Artists: Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring, LaveryRing, have been collaborating for over 25 years, working with a wide variety of materials including cast bronze, aluminium, steel, glass, enamelled copper, and printmaking. The focus of their work is site-specific, delving into the history, myths and geographical influences of each location. By transforming these elements, they weave patterns of reference into tangible, context-rich artworks. Notable examples of the work are ‘The Wave‘ at the Lusitania Memorial, Old Head of Kinsale and ‘Strongbow & Aoife‘, in the Viking Triangle, Waterford.
Residency Focus: During LaveryRing’s residency at Spike Island, Liam and Eithne will delve into the rich tapestry of Spike Island’s history by crafting an immersive experience centred on the olfactory senses. This project will blend the evocative power of scents with other mediums such as printmaking and sculpture, creating a multi-sensory narrative that reflects the human experience within the confines of Spike Island’s prisons.
Upcoming Event:Pop-up exhibition and Artists Talk|Spike Island|23-25.08.2024 On these days you can meet the artists and see their work in progress while gaining insights into their creative process.
Artists’ Statement: “By connecting the stories and history of the prison with scents, we hope to stimulate dialogue and give the viewer a deeper level of insight into the lived experience of those who were incarcerated within its prison walls.”
This innovative approach aims to engage viewers on a multisensory level, enriching their understanding of the site’s historical context.
“Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring’s residency at Spike Island has brought a fresh perspective to the island’s storied past“, said Spike Island’s curator, Dorota Gubbins. “Through their innovative approaches, they highlight historical events and individuals, presenting them in a way that redefines our understanding and appreciation of this historic site.”
THIS PROJECT IS THE RESULT OF A COLLABORATION BETWEEN SPIKE ISLAND, SAMPLE-STUDIOS AND SIRIUS ARTS CENTRE.
This exhibition results from a groundbreaking course undertaken by prisoners from Cork Prison in collaboration with University College Cork (UCC). Developed by HSE Addiction Services, UCC, and James Leonard of ‘The Two Norries’ podcast, this module is the first UCC-accredited course in Substance Misuse and Addiction Studies offered within an Irish prison.
UCC/HSE Level 7 NFQ Diploma in Substance Misuse and Addiction Studies Module (SS184): Understanding Drugs in a Social Context
Approach: The module uses a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach to assessment, aimed at attracting a diverse range of adult learners in the prison education unit. This method supports multiple means of performance, expression and representation, ensuring that all students can demonstrate their understanding in varied ways.
Content: Students study major psychopharmacological substances, both licit and illicit, including alcohol, antidepressants, anti-psychotics, benzodiazepines, hallucinogens, hypnotics, cannabis and cannabinoids, opiates, and stimulants. The course covers routes of transmission and the physical, mental, social and legal impacts of substance misuse. It also explores substance use on a continuum from no use to severe dependence and its effects on individuals, families, communities and society. Critical examination includes historical and socio-cultural understandings, abstinence approaches, harm reduction, safer injecting facilities and medical uses of controlled substances.
Aims: The course aims to equip students with knowledge of commonly misused substances, differentiating between substance use, misuse, dependence and addiction. It addresses the pharmacology of drugs and their biological, mood, behavioral and cognitive impacts. Students are engaged with Irish drug and alcohol policies and historical perspectives on substance misuse. The course introduces theoretical models of addiction, including the Moral, Bio-Medical, Disease, Psychological, and Socio-Cultural Models. It also evaluates non-substance-related addictions, such as gambling, gaming, and internet use, along with their treatments. Additionally, the course discusses critical issues affecting individuals with co-occurring substance misuse and mental health disorders.
Assessment and Learning Outcomes: Assessment includes continuous evaluation and an Object-Based Learning (OBL) project.
Supported by Cork ETB art teachers and an art therapist, students created final assessment artefacts that reflect their learning journey.
Transformational Learning: This exhibition showcases these artefacts, providing evidence of the students’ engagement and understanding. It aims to evoke curiosity, wonder, and appreciation for the transformative power of education within the prison environment.
The Inside Out Project
The Inside Out Project comprises both ‘outside students,’ who are second- and third-year BA students from the Department of Sociology & Criminology at UCC, and ‘inside students,’ who are students from the Cork Prison ETB Education Unit.
This project is designed to break barriers and prejudices, offering all students a unique opportunity to study together as peers behind prison walls.
Unheard by most, yet our everyday soundtrack. This unique soundscape, crafted by students and their teacher at the Cork Prison Education Unit, captures the essence of life within the prison walls. Recorded inside the prison, the piece offers a glimpse into the daily auditory experience of the student. The students believe this soundscape provides an authentic insight into the distinctive sounds of prison life.
The general theme progressing through the textiles and ceramics component of the exhibition is based on our relationship with the sea. Ideas were nurtured by looking closely at Ernst Haeckel’s weird and wonderful world of creatures and his rendering of natural geometric structures. Working with Visual Thinking Strategies, the UCC Artists and The Sea series of lectures delivered by Dr James Cronin, the conversation delved into the world of Environmental Art and Climate Change.
The integration of ceramics and textiles was cultivated through a collective group project and is the consummation of a year’s parlance with artistic discourse.
This cell displays work by the Ceramic, Textile and Pyrography class in Cork prison. Each piece has been worked on by a number of students to promote a sense of community and collaboration through group work.
‘Artists and the Sea’
The creative expressions you experience in this exhibition are the fruits of learning through dialogue with students in Cork prison who participated in a short course, facilitated by University College Cork, entitled: “Artists and the Sea”. This six-week course explored the different ways in which artists chose to make use of the sea in their works.
The sea is used to evoke a full spectrum of human emotions: peace, optimism, adventure, fear and grief. Some depictions are hyper-real, while others simply suggest the flick of a brushstroke.
Artists often illustrate humanity’s use of the sea and what that represents; from the labours of fishing communities through to the vessels upon which journeys began, conflicts took place and lands were discovered or abandoned.
There is one theme, though, that appears universal; the sea’s vast and unknown nature means it will never be fully tamed or understood.
Dr James Cronin | Course facilitator
University College Cork
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‘Sceal Scaol’
As you enter the cell you are drawn to an embroidered life jacket decorated with text, drawings and textures. Inspired by a workshop facilitated by Max Porter as part of Sounds From A Safe Harbour and delivered to the women of the Dillons Cross Project, it unravels fragments from their life stories.
___________________
‘The Home Project’
Advancing with narrative, the house embellished with pyrographic script exposes the subject of homelessness, displacement and destruction of the home. Inspired by various nationalities in the prison it brings together the universal meaning of home.
Save the Date: Spike Island Literary Festival 2024
We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the Spike Island Literary Festival for its third year, taking place from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th August 2024. Mark your calendars for a weekend immersed in the world of crime writing, set against the backdrop of Spike Island’s unique and storied past.
Spike Island, with its dark history of four prisons over 400 years, provides the perfect setting for literary enthusiasts to gather, explore, and be inspired. Whether you’re a book lover or a budding writer, this festival offers something for everyone.
What to Expect:
● Author-Led Panel Discussions: Engage with your favourite crime writers and delve into the minds behind the books. Discover what inspires their gripping tales and learn about their creative processes.
● Readings from World-Class Writers: Experience the thrill of hearing renowned authors recite their most famous works in the island’s unique locations, enhancing the chilling ambiance of their stories.
● Pathways to Publishing: Take your first steps towards becoming a published author. Meet with a renowned literary agent and get invaluable insights into the publishing industry.
Full Programme Details and Tickets
Stay tuned for the full programme details, which will be released very soon. Tickets will also be on sale shortly, so make sure to secure your spot at this must-attend event for literary enthusiasts.
Join us for a weekend of literary exploration and inspiration at the Spike Island Literary Festival 2024. For updates and more information, keep an eye on our website and social media channels.
Silent Witness, a compelling panel event, will see acclaimed authors Sinéad Crowley, Andrea Carter and Gill Perdue discuss the intricacies of their craft, exploring themes of suspense, crime and the human psyche. Moderated by Amy Jordan, this event promises to offer unique perspectives and fascinating discussions from some of the genre’s most talented writers. Delve into the minds of these brilliant writers as they explore the nuances of crafting suspense and the intricacies of their mysterious characters.
The Ten-Minute Hook – Michelle Teahan, Alice Bell, Tadhg Coakley & John Crotty moderated by Catherine Kirwan
Prior to the main panel event, Catherine Kirwan will be joined by authors Michelle Teahan, Alice Bell, Tadhg Coakley and John Crotty for The Ten Minute Hook. The first ten pages of a novel are the most important of the story and here, each author will discuss the art of intrigue and how they capture the reader’s attention in those all important ten minutes.
Alice Bell
Though Alice Bell grew up in the South West of England, she now lives in Cobh where, in addition to novel writing, she also works as deputy editor of Rock Paper Shotgun, a popular and respected PC Gaming website. In 2019 she was named one of the 100 most influential women in the UK games industry. Her debut novel, Grave Expectations was published in May 2023 followed by Displeasure Island in May 2024.
Andrea Carter
Andrea Carter is the author of The Inishowen Mysteries. She graduated in Law from Trinity College, Dublin, before qualifying as a solicitor and moving to the Inishowen peninsula in Co. Donegal. Having practised law for nearly twenty years, more recently as a barrister, she now writes full time. Her six books are in development for television and her short story The Lamb was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2019. Death Writes is her sixth novel. The Sunday Times has said ‘Carter excels in re-creating the cloistered, gossipy confines of a small Irish village…the Inishowen peninsula community where everybody knows everybody else’s business is a fine stand-in for the mannered drawing-room society of a Christie mystery.’
Tadhg Coakley
Tadhg Coakley is from Mallow and lives in Cork city. His debut novel The First Sunday in September (2018) was shortlisted for the Mercier Press Fiction prize. Whatever It Takes was chosen as the 2020 Cork, One City One Book. Everything (a sports autobiography, which he co-wrote with its subject, Denis Coughlan) was picked as one of the 2020 sports books of the year in The Sunday Times, The Irish Examiner and The Irish Times. The Game: A Journey into the Heart of Sport (2022) was described by Donal Ryan as a ‘towering work’. His latest thriller Dark Streets is out in June 24. Tadhg’s short stories, articles and essays have been widely published.
John Crotty
John Crotty is author of non-fiction work ‘Spike Island’ and a graduate of Swansea University. Hailing from Cappoquin, County Waterford, John grew up steeped in the storytelling of the Deise. ‘I look back now and see a strong storytelling tradition. The TV was rarely on, just for the Late Late Show, G.A.A. and the Angelus. Evenings were spent by the fire. The silence was punctured by splintering turf and coal, the ticking of a clock. The banshee, Petticoat Loose, they were regular visitors’. John has travelled over 60 countries and many world wonders with further titles on Irish history commenced.
Sinéad Crowley
Sinéad Crowley is the best selling author of the DS Claire Boyle series of crime novels, all three of which were nominated for Irish Book Awards. Her most recent novel, the historical mystery The Belladonna Maze was an Irish Times bestseller and her next book, another historical mystery entitled ‘A Maid on Fifth Avenue’ will be published by Aria in September 2024. Sinéad worked as a journalist for over three decades and was for sixteen year the Arts and Media correspondent with the Irish national broadcaster RTE. In 2023 she left journalism and now works as Director of Media Development with the Irish media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán.
Amy Jordan
Amy Jordan lives by the sea with her husband and young children in Cork, Ireland. Her police procedural thriller, The Dark Hours, will be published with HQ HarperCollins UK, Mira HarperCollins US, and Piper Verlag in early 2025. Previously writing as Amy Cronin, she released three thrillers with Irish publisher Poolbeg Press. Amy is a former civil servant and tutor at MTU, who now writes full time.
Catherine Kirwan
Catherine Kirwan grew up on a farm in the parish of Fews, County Waterford. She studied law at UCC and lives in Cork where she works as a solicitor. Her first novel, Darkest Truth, was chosen as Cork’s One City One Book by Cork City Libraries in 2019. Her second book, Cruel Deeds, and her third, ‘A Lesson in Malice’, a murder mystery set in UCC, are both out now.
Gill Perdue
Gill Perdue is the author of bestselling Shaw and Darmody crime series. If I Tell (previously published as The Interview) was nominated for Crime Novel of the Year in the An Post Book Awards 2022. When They See Me published in June 2023 to rave reviews. It’s described as ‘a thrilling read,’ (The Independent) She also writes for children. Her first children’s novel, Adam’s Starling, won a Bisto Award (the Eilís Dillon Memorial) for that year. A third Shaw and Darmody is to be published by Penguin in 2025, and a standalone thriller in 2026.
Michelle Teahan
Michelle Teahan is a qualified Medical Scientist but her passion has always been writing stories. She loves creating strong female characters, putting them in the worst types of situations and seeing how they react. She lives in County Cork, Ireland with her husband, two young daughters and a giant ginger cat. Her debut novel Go Seek has been long listed for the John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger and her second novel Knock Knock is out June 2024.
Spike Island presents a new solo exhibition by Florin Nolan entitled Florico–Island
Florin Nolan, a visual artist born in Romania and adopted by Irish parents, is deeply connected to Cobh, Ireland, where his father served as a prison officer on Spike Island. His works, exhibited throughout Cork City and County, are enriched by diverse cultural influences.
Florin uses acrylic and ink to create dreamlike architectural visions of Cobh and other landmarks. His pieces explore personal identity, memories and everyday life, inviting viewers to rediscover familiar sights through his expressive interpretations.
Florin also sculpts colourful, joyful figures that reflect his journey from a Romanian orphanage to life in Ireland. These characters often appear in his paintings and weave his visual autobiography. This theme is echoed in the stop-motion film, Spotty The Ladybird, that Florin was supported in production.
Florin’s artistic journey began with pastel chalks and watercolours in childhood. He developed his practice through Suisha Arts’ Community Employment Scheme and now works as a freelance artist at The Orchards Studio Space at Cope Foundation. In addition to visual arts, Florin is a passionate performer and dancer, participating in Suisha Arts Theatre Collective and Inclusive Dance Cork.
He advocates for the rights of people with disabilities in arts and culture and stars in the Decision Support Service public information campaign, promoting the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
Location: Punishment Block, Spike Island
Date: 20 July–14 September 2024
Curated by Dorota Gubbins (Spike Island)
This exhibition is the result of a collaboration with Cope Foundation, Suisha Arts and Cork Prison.
Looking for the ultimate Halloween thrill?
Get ready for a spooktacular adventure like no other!
Spike Island is proud to welcome Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring as our current Artists-in-Residence.
Artists’ Statement: “By connecting the stories and history of the prison with scents, we hope to stimulate dialogue and give the viewer a deeper level of insight into the lived experience of those who were incarcerated within its prison walls.”
This exhibition results from a groundbreaking course undertaken by prisoners from Cork Prison in collaboration with University College Cork (UCC). Developed by HSE Addiction Services, UCC, and James Leonard of ‘The Two Norries’ podcast, this module is the first UCC-accredited course in Substance Misuse and Addiction Studies offered within an Irish prison.
We are thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of the Spike Island Literary Festival for its third year, taking place from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th August 2024. Mark your calendars for a weekend immersed in the world of crime writing, set against the backdrop of Spike Island’s unique and storied past.
Alice Bell
Andrea Carter
Tadhg Coakley
John Crotty
Sinéad Crowley
Amy Jordan
Catherine Kirwan
Gill Perdue
Michelle Teahan
Florin Nolan, a visual artist born in Romania and adopted by Irish parents, is deeply connected to Cobh, Ireland, where his father served as a prison officer on Spike Island. His works, exhibited throughout Cork City and County, are enriched by diverse cultural influences.