Category: Event

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Event Literary Festival

Spike Island Literary Festival 2024 programme

23 AUGUST | FRIDAY EVENING
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.

Categories
Event Literary Festival

Spike island Literary Festival 2024 Meet the Agent

24 AUGUST | SATURDAY
Meet the Agent

Price per ticket: €50
Boat in: 2 pm – Return: 5:30 pm

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.

Nicky Lovick

Nicky Lovick is a literary agent at WGM Atlantic Talent & Literary agency in London. She’s worked an as editor in-house for big and small publishers for almost a decade and is currently working for Penguin, Random House, Transworld, BBC Books, Orion, John Blake, Blink, Bonnier, Quercus, Profile and Atlantic among others.

Categories
Event Literary Festival

Spike Island Literary Festival 2024 Friday

 

23 AUGUST | FRIDAY EVENING
Law & Disorder – Imran Mahmood in conversation with Neil Lancaster

Price per ticket: €26.95
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.

 

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 and has since picked up Gold at the IP Book Awards in the European Non-Fiction Category and Silver at the IP Book Awards in the Global reference Non-Fiction Category.

Neil Lancaster

Neil Lancaster is the No. 1 digital bestselling author of both the Tom Novak and Max Craigie series. His first Craigie novel, Dead Man’s Grave, was longlisted for the 2021 McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Book of the Year. The second Craigie novel, The Blood Tide, topped several ebook and audio charts. It was also longlisted for the 2022 McIlvanney Prize and shortlisted for Best New Series at the Dead Good Reader Awards. Neil’s authentic crime writing style stems from his police background. He served as a military policeman and worked for the Metropolitan Police as a detective, investigating serious crimes in the capital and beyond. As a covert policing specialist, he used all manner of techniques to investigate and disrupt major crime and criminals. He now lives in the Scottish Highlands, writes crime and thriller novels and works as a broadcaster and commentator on true crime documentaries. He is an expert commentator on a number of true crime TV series.

Imran Mahmood

Imran Mahmood is a practising criminal barrister in England and Wales. His debut novel You Don’t Know Me was chosen by Simon Mayo as a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Choice for 2017 and longlisted for the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, the CWA Gold Dagger Award, and the Glass Bell Award and was made into a hugely successful BBC1 adaptation in association with Netflix, reaching no.3 in the World and in the UK received a BAFTA nomination for best actor. His second novel I Know What I Saw was chosen as a Sunday Times crime novel of the month and reached no. 2 on the Audible charts. It was also long-listed for both the CWA Gold Dagger Award and Theakstons Crime Novel of the year. His third novel ALL I SAID WAS TRUE was also long-listed for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2023 and his fourth novel Finding Sophie was released in March 2024. Imran was born and raised in Liverpool but now lives in London with his wife and 2 daughters.

Categories
Event Literary Festival

Spike island Literary Festival 2024 Saturday

24 AUGUST | SATURDAY
Femme Fatale – Dr Marie Cassidy, Jo Spain & Arlene Hunt moderated by Michelle Dunne

Price per ticket: €26.95
Boat in: 4 pm – Return: 7 pm

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.


Dr Marie Cassidy

During her 15-year career as Ireland’s State Pathologist, Marie Cassidy became known to the Irish public as a trusted figure whose expertise helped to solve murders and clarify unexplained deaths. In over thirty years of practice, she performed thousands of postmortems and dealt with hundreds of murders. She has witnessed the burgeoning role of forensic science and the impact that has had on death investigation and the expectations of the general public, while embracing new technology and welcoming the input of experts in the other sciences. She retired at the end of 2018 to spend more time on the other passions in her life, her family and writing. Marie’s number one bestselling memoir Beyond the Tape was published in 2020. Body of Truth is her first novel.

Michelle Dunne

Michelle Dunne is a crime and thriller writer from Cork whose new psychological thriller, The Hotel Maid will be published in August 24. Her best-selling psychological thriller, The Good Girl published to rave reviews in March 24 and is described as “an outstanding serial killer thriller.” Michelle also wrote While Nobody is Watching and The Invisible, a series of thrillers following former soldier and UN Peacekeeper Lindsey Ryan as she tries to adapt to her new life in the clutches of PTSD. 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/programmer of the Spike Island Literary Festival – a crime-themed festival set in Ireland’s very own Alcatraz!

Arlene Hunt

Arlene Hunt is an Irish author, film and book reviewer . She has written fifteen novels, the latest of which, While She Sleeps, was published by Hachette in August 2023 and she is currently working on new crime fiction book. A long distance runner, when not writing Arlene can usually be found half way up a mountain with two German Shepherds for company.

Jo Spain

Jo Spain is the author of thirteen top-ten Irish and international best-sellers, including the Tom Reynolds detective series. A full-time screenwriter, Jo co-writes and showruns Harry Wild (starring Jane Seymour) with David Logan. She has also written for Sanditon, the ITV/PBS Jane Austen drama and her co-written show The Boy Who Never Was (Subotica/RTÉ/France TV) airs on RTÉ autumn 2024. Jo’s new series Mix Tape (Subotica/Aquarias/Binge) films summer 2024. Jo and her co-writer David Logan are also working on the adaptation of several of her thriller books with production companies including Archery and Yellow Films.

Categories
5K RUN Event

Spike Island 5km Race

Official results. Click here to open in new window. 

Lace up your running shoes and prepare for an unforgettable experience at the Spike Island 5km Race! Returning this April, the unique event promises an adventure like no other – where else can you begin your race within the walls of a 200 year old fortress before making your
way around an iconic island surrounded by spectacular views of Cork Harbour.

The race kicks off at approximately 5:25 p.m, promising an adrenaline-fueled dash through the island’s scenic routes. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a leisurely walker, all are welcome to participate – runners can undertake the 5km route while there is a special 3km course tailored for walkers. Our dedicated marshals will be on hand to guide you and ensure you stay on track throughout.
After crossing the finish line, each participant will receive a special Spike Island medal and there will be a special medal ceremony to celebrate your triumphs, with awards for the fastest male and female runners.

So what are you waiting for? Embrace the challenge and create lasting memories at Spike Island. Boats depart from Cobh at 4pm and 4:45pm and tickets for this unique race event are on sale now. We’ll see you at the starting line!

Categories
After Dark Event

Spike Island After Dark Tours return for 2024

Spike Island After Dark
Unveil the Dark Secrets of Spike Island on one of our After Dark Tours!

Get ready for a spine-chilling adventure and explore the haunting history of Ireland’s infamous prison island this February.
Due to popular demand, our After Dark Tours return for two nights only on February 10th & 24th.
Walk through the chilling corridors of an abandoned prison, sit in a solitary cell and experience a place of punishment once called ‘Ireland’s Hell’.

Guided by our expert storytellers, dive into the dark history of what was once Ireland’s most notorious prison with spine-chilling tales of the murderers and deviants who once roamed its halls!
Not for the faint-hearted, our After Dark tours take you to areas of the island usually off limits to the public where our tour guides will share the harrowing history and spine-chilling stories of Ireland’s most notorious murders and deviants.
Explore Spike Island in a whole new light – or should we say darkness! Candlelit corridors, eerie tunnels, and abandoned prison cells await you on this access all areas tour.
Spike Island After Dark

Will you escape from Spike Island? There’s only one way to find out! Don’t miss this limited opportunity to experience Spike Island like never before, book your tickets now – if you dare!

 

 

Categories
Event Spookfest

Spookfest Trial 2023

Spike Island Spookfest 2023
Get ready for a spooktacular adventure like no other!
Join us at Spike Island for the ultimate family-friendly Halloween event, The Spookfest Trail.

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.

Suitable for children aged 2+

 

Categories
Event Tom

Escape From Spike Island

Escape from Spike Island
As part of our upcoming War of Independence Weekend, our popular Spike Island Escape Tour returns for one night only! This unique evening tour focuses on the daring escape by Republican prisoners and internees in 1921, at a time when Spike Island held over 1200 Irish rebels.

On a cold November evening 1921, seven prisoners embarked on an escape mission from the Military Prison in the Field at Spike Island. Having secretly cleared a tunnel area and under cover of darkness, the group of men evaded the searchlights, razor wire and prison guards to escape their island incarceration through a hidden tunnel.

his fully guided tour – with access to areas usually off limits to the public – follows the exact route the prisoners embarked on to escape their captivity and tells the story of the 1921 Republican prison.

Join us on this special escape tour as we walk in the footsteps of the men who fought for the cause of Irish Freedom. Boats depart from Cobh at 5pm, spaces are limited and advance booking is highly recommended.

Categories
Event Tom

War of Independence Weekend

War of Independence Weekend 2023
Join us on Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October for a special weekend dedicated to commemorating the history of Spike Island during the Irish War of Independence.

Our annual War of Independence Weekend features reenactors portraying the Irish Volunteers and Crown Forces, an original 1921 prison hut and an extensive display of firearms and weapons from the period.

Up to 1200 Republican prisoners and internees were held on our historic island during the War of Independence as a result of their activities against Crown forces. This special event commemorates the Irish rebels who risked their lives to fight for the cause of Irish Freedom.

Hear from historian and author Tom O’Neill and others as they recount what life was like for the Republican prisoners and internees who were held captive, including the gallant soldiers who would later lose their lives during the Irish Civil War.

Highlights of the weekend include a series of captivating presentations in the surroundings of an authentic 1921 prison hut. Notable talks will cover subjects like “The 1921 Military Prison in the Field”, “The Weapons of the War of Independence” and “The Cork Male Gaol 1920 Hunger Strikers” presented by Conor Kenny, grandson of internee Joseph Kenny. Discover the connections between Spike Island and Bere Island prisons at the time, as well as the intriguing story of Cork city IRA officer Mick Murphy, who was recently uncovered as a prisoner on Spike under an alias. Daniel Cremin, his great-grandson, will lead this compelling presentation.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to embark on a journey through history and walk in the footsteps of the men who fought for the cause of Irish freedom. Boats will depart from Kennedy Pier, Cobh, on the hour from 10am to 2pm and pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. Join us this September as we delve into the history of Spike Island during the Irish War of Independence.

Categories
Event Spookfest

Spookfest Trail

Get ready for a spooktacular adventure like no other!
Join us at Spike Island for the ultimate family-friendly Halloween event, The Spookfest Trail.

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.

Suitable for children aged 2+