Price per ticket: €27.95 Boat in: 5pm | Return: 8pm
Unsettled States
Tom Casey with PJ Coogan
The 2025 Spike Island Literary Festival opens with a gripping conversation between acclaimed author Tom Casey and Cork’s own PJ Coogan of 96FM.
Travelling from New York especially for the festival, Casey delves into the dark heart of international crime fiction with Unsettled States—his bold third novel exploring voyeurism, infidelity, murder, and moral decay. With a sharp eye for social commentary and unexpected flashes of humour, Casey draws on a lifetime of global experience as a former airline pilot and documentary co-producer to craft stories that are as thrilling as they are thought-provoking.
Described by Kurt Andersen as “as thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is fun,” Unsettled States promises to be the centre of a compelling discussion to open this year’s festival.
Tom Casey
Tom Casey’s unconventional exploration of voyeurism, infidelity, murder, and spiritual corruption is shot through with flashes of social commentary and humour.
Tom spent decades traversing the world as a professional airline pilot. In addition to flying passenger jets and writing fiction, he also co-produced a recent film documentary ‘Flying Boat’. Casey lives in Connecticut with his partner, Silvia Erskine, and Phoebe, their rescue dog. ‘Unsettled States‘ is his third novel.
“Unsettled States is as thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is fun.”— Kurt Andersen, author of Heyday
PJ Coogan
After over 30 years on radio in Cork as a journalist, presenter and analyst, PJ’s voice is instantly familiar across the City & County.
Since 2014 he has been the presenter of the successful “Opinion Line” show on Cork’s 96FM.
Price per ticket: €27.95
Boat in: 12.30pm | Return: 5pm
Meet the Detectives
Patricia Gibney & Gill Perdue with Michelle Dunne
Join two of Ireland’s bestselling crime fiction authors, Patricia Gibney and Gill Perdue, in conversation with fellow author and festival curator Michelle Dunne for an unmissable discussion on mystery, suspense, and intrigue.
As part of the Spike Island Literary Festival, this gripping event delves into the minds behind some of the country’s most compelling crime fiction.
Expect lively discussion, behind-the-scenes insights into crafting crime fiction, and a chance to ask your own burning questions. Perfect for fans of twisty plots, gritty characters, and page-turning drama.
Pop-Up Reading
Michelle Teahan
Secrets and Lies
Amanda Cassidy, Michelle McDonagh with Fiona Gartland
Dive into the dark, twisting worlds of contemporary crime fiction with three gripping voices at Spike Island Literary Festival.
Amanda Cassidy and Michelle McDonagh explore the hidden truths, tangled secrets, and the lies that define their characters.
Join this compelling conversation to uncover how deception drives narrative tension and reveals the human condition in thrilling, unforgettable ways.
Amanda Cassidy
Amanda Cassidy is an Irish Times bestselling author, commissioning editor and former Sky News reporter.
Her debut novel, Breaking, was shortlisted for the 2023 CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger Award, while her second novel, The Returned received widespread critical praise. The Perfect Place, Amanda’s third novel, published last year and was an instant Irish Times bestseller. She is a frequent contributor to national radio, print, and television, and holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
When she’s not on a plane, you’ll find her in her cottage in Dublin where she lives with her family. The Stranger Inside, Amanda’s latest novel, will be published in August 2025.
Michelle Dunne
Michelle Dunne is a bestselling psychological thriller writer from Cork whose new thriller, A GOOD MOTHER, came out to rave reviews in April 25.
Michelle also wrote The Hotel Maid and The Good Girl, which saw its Czech language edition chosen as one of the 12 most exciting books to publish in Czech Republic in 2025. It launched in March at the annual Big Book Thursday event in Prague.
Michelle also wrote the Lindsey Ryan series of psychological thrillers, While Nobody is Watching and The Invisible. The series is currently in development for television and is inspired by Michelle’s own experiences as an infantry soldier and United Nations Peacekeeper.
Michelle is organiser and programmer of the Spike Island Literary Festival – a crime-themed festival set in Ireland’s very own Alcatraz. In 2024 she also joined the team at Dublin’s international crime writing festival, Murder One.
Fiona Gartland
Fiona Gartland is a crime writer and journalist from Dublin. Her latest psychological suspense novel, Under Her Care, is due for publication in April 2026 with Bloodhound Books.
She’s had a trilogy of thrillers published by Poolbeg, and has had short stories broadcast on RTÉ Radio and published in magazines, including literary quarterly, The Stinging Fly.
She worked for The Irish Times for 17 years where she focused on family law and crime court coverage, going on to become assistant news editor and then features section editor with the publication. She is married, with four grown-up children, enjoys long walks, great reads, and singing for fun.
Patricia Gibney
Patricia Gibney is a crime fiction author from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.
Her debut novel, The Missing Ones, was published by London based digital publisher, Bookouture, in March 2017.
To date fifteen Detective Lottie Parker books have been published in the series. More than 2.5 million Lottie Parker books have sold to date and has been translated into multiple languages.
Michelle McDonagh
Michelle McDonagh is the author of three rural noir novels. Her bestselling debut There’s Something I Have To Tell You was published in 2023, and her second bestseller Somebody Knows was shortlisted for the An Post Irish Book Awards in 2024. Her third book Some of This Is True was published in June 2025.
A journalist by trade and a native of Galway, Michelle now lives in Blarney, where she is married with three children and a very cute cavapoo.
Gill Perdue
Gill Perdue is the author of bestselling crime novel If I Tell which was nominated for Crime Novel of the Year in the An Post Book Awards 2022. If I Tell is the first in the Shaw and Darmody series of crime thrillers published by Penguin, set in the fictional Dublin suburb of Clonchapel, followed by, When They See Me.
Her hotly-anticipated third novel, The Night I Killed Him, came out in July 2025 with Marian Keys declaring it: ‘utterly UTTERLY magnificent!’
Gill lives in Rathfarnham with two rescue cats, one of which walks over her laptop when she’s working, and a mostly genial husband who makes good coffee.
Michelle Teahan
Michelle’s debut novel GO SEEK was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood/John Creasey Dagger and is under option to a top tier US producer and studio.
Her follow up novel KNOCK KNOCK was published in June 2024. Michelle is a qualified Medical Scientist but her passion has always been writing stories. She uses her writing to turn her greatest fears into fiction and creating female characters who are equipped to deal with them.
She lives in County Cork, Ireland with her husband, two young daughters and a giant ginger cat.
Price per ticket: €27.95
Boat in: 12.30pm | Return: 5pm
In Cold Blood
Nadine Matheson and Amy Jordan with Edel Coffey
Join three masters of crime fiction — Nadine Matheson, Amy Jordan, and Stuart Neville — for a gripping exploration of murder, morality, and the minds behind the mayhem.
In conversation with journalist and author Edel Coffey, this panel delves into the dark heart of crime writing: what draws us to the genre, how real-world violence influences fiction, and why we can’t look away.
Expect insight, intrigue, and a few chills as these acclaimed writers discuss the art of crafting compelling thrillers that hold up a mirror to society’s most unsettling truths.
Pop-up reading
Cónal Creedon
Close to Home
Andrea Mara, Michelle Dunne & C.L. Taylor with Sam Blake
Join bestselling crime writers Andrea Mara, Michelle Dunne, and C.L. Taylor for an unmissable conversation exploring the darkness that lurks just beneath the surface of everyday life.
From domestic suspense to psychological thrillers, these acclaimed authors delve into the secrets, fears, and tensions that unfold close to home.
Chaired by fellow author Sam Blake, this gripping panel will uncover how ordinary settings can become the backdrop for extraordinary crimes—and why the most chilling stories are often the ones that hit closest to home.
Expect thrilling insights and a behind the scenes look at building suspense.
Sam Blake
Sam Blake is a multiple No 1 bestselling Irish crime writer and has been shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year three times, and twice for Irish Teen and YA Novel of the Year.
Her second YA novel, Something’s About to Blow Up was Winner of the International Education Services Teen & YA Novel of the Year 2024. Her latest adult thriller, The Killing Sense, came out in January 2025 and is a No 1 bestseller.
Follow Sam on social @samblakebooks or find out more at www.samblakebooks.com, where you can join her Reader’s Club and receive her adult thriller High Pressure for free. Sam is the founder of Ireland’s International Crime Writing Festival, Murder One.
She is currently Chair of the board of the Society of Authors, and previously was Chair of Irish PEN and a board member of the Crime Writers Association.
Edel Coffey
Edel Coffey is an Irish novelist and journalist.
She has worked as an editor with the Irish Independent, and as a reporter and presenter with RTE Radio. She is a regular contributor to The Irish Times, and Books Editor with The Gloss magazine. Both of her novels have been number one bestsellers in Ireland and her debut novel Breaking Point won the An Post Irish Book Award for Crime Fiction Book Of The Year in 2022. Her third novel will be published next year.
Cónal Creedon
Cónal Creedon is an award winning novelist, playwright and documentary filmmaker.
Cónal’s recently published book, Art Imitating Life Imitating Death, was presented at the centre of Irish Studies at Zurich University, James Joyce Federation in 2020. It was subsequently published by Florence University Press. His collection of Award winning short stories Pancho and Lefty Ride Again (2021) has been Awarded One City One Book Award 2020. It holds the record of being the most borrowed adult fiction book at Cork City Libraries 2022.
His novel, Begotten Not Made (2018), has achieved literary award recognition: Winner of the Eric Hoffer Award USA 2020, The Bronze Award New Generation Book Award USA 2020; Finalist in the Montaigne [Most Thought-Provoking Book] Award USA 2020. Finalist The IAN Book of the Year Award 2022, Nominated for the Dublin International Book Award 2020; Book of the Year Irish Examiner; Top Books of the Year – Liveline RTÉ Irish National Radio.
Michelle Dunne
Michelle Dunne is a bestselling psychological thriller writer from Cork whose new thriller, A GOOD MOTHER, came out to rave reviews in April 25.
Michelle also wrote The Hotel Maid and The Good Girl, which saw its Czech language edition chosen as one of the 12 most exciting books to publish in Czech Republic in 2025. It launched in March at the annual Big Book Thursday event in Prague.
Michelle also wrote the Lindsey Ryan series of psychological thrillers, While Nobody is Watching and The Invisible. The series is currently in development for television and is inspired by Michelle’s own experiences as an infantry soldier and United Nations Peacekeeper.
Michelle is organiser and programmer of the Spike Island Literary Festival – a crime-themed festival set in Ireland’s very own Alcatraz. In 2024 she also joined the team at Dublin’s international crime writing festival, Murder One.
Amy Jordan
Amy Jordan lives with her husband and young children in Cork, Ireland. The Dark Hours is her international debut with HQ Stories, HarperCollins. It was also released in North America and Canada with Mira Books, and reviewed by The New York Times, who said “Jordan…writes Julia with particular fire, bringing us a woman who has chosen invisibility but who cannot escape what once made her visible.” Soon to be published in Germany with Piper Verlag, The Dark Hours was an instant Irish Times bestseller.
Previously writing as Amy Cronin, she released three crime thrillers with Irish publisher Poolbeg Press. Amy is a former civil servant and tutor at MTU, who now writes full time.
Andrea Mara
Andrea Mara is a number one Sunday Times, Irish Times and Kindle bestselling author, whose books have sold more than 750,000 copies across all formats.
Her most recent novel, Someone in the Attic, was a Sunday Times, Irish Times and Kindle bestseller. Her previous book, No One Saw a Thing, was a Sunday Times number one bestseller. She has been shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year for five of her books.
The TV adaptation of her 2021 book, All Her Fault, is in production, with Sarah Snook (Succession) playing the lead. Andrea lives in Dublin with her husband and three children.
Nadine Matheson
Nadine Matheson was born and raised in Deptford and now practises as a criminal defence lawyer. She won the City University Crime Writing competition, and she has an MA in Creative Writing.
The Jigsaw Man was her first crime novel and was loved by readers around the world. It was shortlisted for the Dead Good Reader and the Adult Diverse Book Awards in 2022 and it has been translated into fifteen languages.
Nadine is also the host of the podcast, The Conversation with Nadine Matheson.
C.L. Taylor
C.L. Taylor is an award winning Sunday Times bestselling author of ten gripping psychological thrillers including EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE, a Richard and Judy Book Club pick for autumn 2024, THE GUILTY COUPLE, (Richard and Judy Book Club 2023) and SLEEP (Richard and Judy Book Club 2019).
Her books have sold over two million copies in the UK alone, hit number one on Amazon Kindle, Audible, Kobo, iBooks and Google Play, and have been translated into over 30 languages and optioned for TV.
12 am – 4:30 pm
Price per ticket: €49.95
Boat in: 12 pm | Return: 4:30 pm
Fiction-writing Masterclass
with Louise Phillips
Join bestselling author and award-winning crime novelist Louise Phillips for an exclusive Fiction Writing Masterclass at the Spike Island Literary Festival.
Whether you’re a budding writer or polishing your manuscript, this session offers invaluable insight into the craft of compelling storytelling. Drawing on her expertise in character development, plot structure, and building suspense, Louise will guide participants through practical exercises and provide feedback to help elevate your writing.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of Ireland’s leading voices in fiction, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Ireland’s infamous prison island.
Pitch the Agent
with Diana Beaumont & Nicky Lovick
Getting the all important pitch right is essential when it comes to getting your work noticed in the competitive world of publishing. Your cover letter essentially needs to be your “elevator pitch” and can lead an agent to decide whether yours is an idea they want to read more about.
This is your opportunity to hear feedback from leaders in the industry, Diana Beaumont of DHH literary agency & Nicky Lovick with WGM Atlantic and also to learn from those around you.
You will be required to bring a printed copy of your pitch which should be no more than 150 words. This will be read out anonymously (if preferred) during the event.
Diana Beaumont
Diana joined DHH Literary Agency in 2024. She started agenting with Rupert Heath Literary Agency in 2011 before moving to UTA. Before that she was senior commissioning editor at Transworld.
Diana was chosen as one of The Bookseller’s Rising Stars of 2012, was a nominee for RNA Agent of the Year 2019, and was shortlisted for Literary Agent of the Year 2022 at the British Book Awards.
Her list includes a wide range of bestselling and prize-winning authors in the UK and internationally.
Nicky Lovick
Nicky has worked as an editor in-house for big and small publishers for almost a decade and has freelanced continuously for twenty years.
Currently working for Penguin, Random House, transworld, BBC Books, Orion, John Blake, Blink, Bonnier, Quercus, Profile and Atlantic, among many others. Literary agent at WGM Atlantic.
Louise Phillips
Dublin born crime author LOUISE PHILLIPS is an Irish Times bestselling author of six crime novels, five of which were shortlisted for Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year in the Irish Book Awards.
Her second novel ‘The Doll’s House’ won the award. She has also been longlisted for the Crime Writers Association (CWA) Dagger in the Library Award in the U.K., and is the recipient of several literary awards, arts bursaries, and residencies.
Her fifth novel, ‘The Hiding Game’, was optioned by a major U.S. film company, and her latest novel, NINA, will be published in the US & Canada in November 2025.
Now in its fourth year, the Spike Island Literary Festival returns this September with a gripping programme dedicated to the art of crime writing. Set against the unique backdrop of Spike Island’s infamous former prison, this one-of-a-kind festival brings together acclaimed authors and literary experts for a series of thrilling conversations, live readings and thought-provoking panels. With a dark history of four prisons over 400 years, Spike Island is the perfect setting for literary enthusiasts from book lovers to budding writers. Engage with your favourite authors and discover what inspires them through author-led panel discussions, experience readings from world-class writers as they recite their most famous works in unique locations or take the first steps to getting your own work published by meeting with a renowned literary agent. Step inside the walls that once held some of Ireland’s most notorious criminals and immerse yourself in stories that intrigue, unnerve and captivate. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, gritty detective fiction, or chilling true crime, Spike Island is the ultimate setting for your next plot twist. This year’s programme features a stellar line-up of renowned authors such as Stuart Neville, Andrea Mara, Michelle McDonagh, Sam Blake, Tom Casey, C.L Taylor and more. Join us at the Spike Island Literary Festival this September — where mystery, suspense, and storytelling collide.
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.
At Spike Island, we’re celebrating our 86th birthday this year with our annual Family Fun Evening and Fireworks Display, commemorating the historic handover of Spike Island from Britain to Ireland in 1938. In honour of this momentous occasion, we’ll be celebrating our Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display, musical performances and family fare on Saturday 13th July.
At this special Independence Day celebration, visitors will enjoy captivating entertainment and an abundance of family-friendly activities while immersing themselves in the island’s rich history.
Attendees can look forward to pop-up musical performances, face painters, and much more, ensuring a truly memorable experience for guests of all ages.
Visitors will board the ferry across the world’s second-largest natural harbour, enjoy a guided tour on arrival, explore the fort’s amazing museums and exhibitions and walk the amazing island nature trails. On this special night, there will also be family entertainment, children’s activities, musical performances, face painters and more.
As the night unfolds, the highlight of the event will be a spectacular fireworks display over Cork Harbour. A total of 1300 fireworks will illuminate the sky, symbolising the inmates who tragically lost their lives during Spike Island’s history as a prison in what promises to be a special tribute and a poignant reminder of the island’s past.
To facilitate the smooth flow of the event, boats will begin departing from 5.15pm. Early arrivals will have ample time to enjoy the island’s attractions and will also be among the first to depart the island after the event concludes. Return boats will commence at 10.30pm, departing every 10 minutes.
Visitors are advised to check their ticket times for the return boat, with the last departure scheduled for approximately 11.45pm. Attendance for this special celebration is expected to be high, and therefore, advance online booking is essential.
To mark the 220th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for Fort Westmoreland, Spike Island is hosting an exhibition entitled ‘Entwined History: Revealing Spike Island’s Forts’.
The new exhibition features the architectural plans from The National Archives that depict the construction and fortification of the fortress. Fort Westmoreland (now known as Fort Mitchel) stands as the third and final fortification constructed on the island.
The plans on display show the path from concept to reality as architects, engineers, craftsmen and masons worked together to create a fortress ready to withstand any attack.
Panels explaining the historical events that took place between 1776-1815 and Spike Island’s startegic importance during this period are also part of this exhibition.
We feature General Charles Vallancey, a man behind the design of Fort Westmoreland I. The first edition of his book, ‘A Vindication of the Ancient History of Ireland’ published in 1786 is on display along with other artefacts related to the early stages of the fort and the Royal Artillery.
It’s worth noting that the only known photograph depicting convicts labouring during the constuction of the bastions at Spike Island, can be seen for the first time.
Exhibition date: June—September 2024
Location: Mitchel Hall, Spike Island
Law & Disorder – Imran Mahmood in conversation with Neil Lancaster
Price per ticket: € Boat in: 5pm – Return: 8pm
The 2024 Spike Island Literary Festival will be officially launched by much-loved Cork author Cónal Creedon.
The festival commences with Law and Disorder, an engaging conversation between acclaimed authors Imran Mahmood and Neil Lancaster. Delve into the intricacies of crime writing with these two masters of the genre as they discuss their inspirations and how their backgrounds in law and justice impact their storytelling. This event promises to offer unique insights into the world of crime fiction and the minds behind some of today’s most gripping narratives. Don’t miss the chance to witness a captivating conversation between two leading voices in contemporary literature.
24 AUGUST | SATURDAY
Femme Fatale – Dr Marie Cassidy, Jo Spain & Arlene Hunt moderated by Michelle Dunne
Price per ticket: € Boat in: 4pm – Return: 8pm
Join us for Femme Fatale, an intriguing panel event at the Spike Island Literary Festival featuring Dr Marie Cassidy, former State Pathologist and author, Jo Spain, renowned author and screenwriter, and acclaimed Irish crime novelist, Arlene Hunt. Moderated by author Michelle Dunne, this event will delve into the dark and fascinating world of crime writing as these leading female voices explore the art of suspense, forensic detail and creating compelling narratives.
Don’t miss the chance to engage with these distinguished authors and uncover the mysteries behind their thrilling novels.
Meet the Agent
Looking for insider tips on getting your book published? In a rare opportunity, budding writers can meet with Nicky Lovick – Literary Agent with WGM Atlantic Talent & Literary Group – to receive feedback and gain tips on how to make their work stand out from the crowd. You will be required to submit a synopsis and the first three chapters of your work following your booking. In return you will get personalised feedback on the day as well as some written notes.
25 AUGUST | SUNDAY
Silent Witness – Sinéad Crowley, Andrea Carter & Gill Perdue moderated by Amy Jordan
Price per ticket: € Boat in: 12pm – Return: 3pm
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 Teehan, Alice Bell & Tadhg Coakley moderated by Catherine Kirwan
Prior to the main panel event, Catherine Kirwan will be joined by authors Michelle Teehan, Alice Bell and Tadhg Coakley 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.
Tom Casey
Tom Casey
PJ Coogan
Amanda Cassidy
Michelle Dunne
Fiona Gartland
Patricia Gibney
Michelle McDonagh
Gill Perdue
Michelle Teahan
Sam Blake
Edel Coffey
Cónal Creedon
Amy Jordan
Andrea Mara
Nadine Matheson
C.L. Taylor
Diana Beaumont
Nicky Lovick
Louise Phillips
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
As the night unfolds, the highlight of the event will be a spectacular fireworks display over Cork Harbour. A total of 1300 fireworks will illuminate the sky, symbolising the inmates who tragically lost their lives during Spike Island’s history as a prison in what promises to be a special tribute and a poignant reminder of the island’s past.
To mark the 220th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for Fort Westmoreland, Spike Island is hosting an exhibition entitled ‘Entwined History: Revealing Spike Island’s Forts’.
The plans on display show the path from concept to reality as architects, engineers, craftsmen and masons worked together to create a fortress ready to withstand any attack.
We feature General Charles Vallancey, a man behind the design of Fort Westmoreland I. The first edition of his book, ‘A Vindication of the Ancient History of Ireland’ published in 1786 is on display along with other artefacts related to the early stages of the fort and the Royal Artillery.