Category: Event

Categories
Event Tom

Prison Life on Spike Island

Discover the Spike Island 1921 prisoners who lost their lives during the Irish Civil War.

 

In a special evening tour this April, Spike Island will recall prisoner life at the time when the island was used  as a military prison in the field during the Irish War of Independence.

In 1921, Spike Island became the largest military prison in the field. At this time, Irish men and women suspected of involvement in the fight for Irish freedom, were captured and sentenced to internment. Over 1,200 would be held on Spike Island with prison riots, a hunger strike, prisoner shootings and even prison escapes as a result.

This year marks 100 years since the conclusion of the Irish Civil War, a tragic and bitter conflict following the establishment of the Irish Free State. One such tragedy of this period of conflict was the deaths of these four IRA men, once imprisoned as internees on Spike Island during the 1921 War of Independence. Having been released from the military prison in the field at Spike Island, they would later lose their lives in the lead up to and during the Civil War.

Following on from the success of the Spike Island Escape Tour in 2021, the access all areas tour will focus on four gallant soldiers – Tommy McInerny from Limerick; Volunteer Patrick A Pearse from Kinsale; Richard (Dick) Barrett of the Third West Cork Brigade, IRA and one of the escapees of the 1921 escape at Spike Island; and Volunteer James (Jim) Egan.

This guided tour will take you back in time to discover what prisoner life was like for the likes of these four men imprisoned or interned at Spike Island during the Irish War of Independence. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit an original 1921 prison hut, see a display of weapons from the era as well as a special presentation by Spike Island historian and author of Spike Island’s Republican Prisoners, Tom O’Neill.

Join us for this special tour on Saturday 15 April and walk in the footsteps of the Irish Rebels who risked their lives to fight for the cause of Irish Freedom.

Categories
Event

Spike Island Annual Charity Carol Concert

The Annual Charity Carol Concert
took place on Spike Island on Sunday 4th December.
The concert was established by the Volunteers and Staff on the Island in 2014 to benefit needy charities in the area. All those involved give of their time freely, and the boats and the refreshments afterwards are sponsored by Doyle Shipping and Murphy’s Centra Cobh. This was the 7th such concert as Covid intervened for the last two years.
The music was provided by The Courtyard Choir, their Soloists, musicians, and all conducted by Mr Ger Gunn. These groups have been providing exquisite music down through the years at our Annual Concerts, and without them, it just would not be possible to put on the show.
This year the charity selected was the St. Vincent de Paul Branch, Cobh. The Branch was founded in the 1850s and has served the people of Cobh and the surrounding area since then, with support for Fuel and Coal, Food, and family support for school expenses etc. There is also an adult educational programme to assist with Higher Education requirements. Besides donations and contributions, the Branch is always seeking Volunteers to give of their time to help the less fortunate in the community. The Concert raised €2,075 for charity.
A very big Thank You to everyone who helped in any way to get the show on the road, the Volunteers, Staff, Guides, maintenance staff, office staff, Sponsors, and Spike Island management.

Categories
Event Tom

War of Independence Weekend 2022

Saturday-Sunday, 01-02 October 2022

Our annual War of Independence weekend features re-enactors portraying the Irish Volunteers and Crown Forces, an original 1921 prison hut and an extensive display of firearms and weapons from the period.
At Mitchel Hall, there will be a fascinating exhibition of original artefacts, most notably a collection of belongings of James Butler and William Looby both of whom were internees on Spike Island in 1921 as well as a display of Irish Garda uniforms since 1922.

We will also present three short presentations on subjects such as the 1921 Military Prison in the Field, The Weapons of the War of Independence and The Cork Male Hunger Strikers of 1920.

 

Categories
Event Spookfest

Spookfest

Spookfest logo

Jump aboard the fun ferry and discover wicked witches, scary spiders and pillaging pirates as areas of our historic fortress and prison are transformed so that the little ones can explore an island of Halloween adventure.

Your visit consists of a short ferry ride and a Halloween themed guided tour on arrival.
Families can then Trick or Treat their way around the fortress where you’ll find amazing interactive areas with the help of your FREE Halloween map:
– Witches hollow – Careful she doesn’t cast a spell!
– Spider sanctuary – Mind your head, something is creeping about!
– Tunnel of terror – What’s creeping about its depths!
– Pirates prison ship – All aboard me hearty’s!
– Pumpkin patch – Watch out for the bats!
And expect frightful photo ops and spooky surprises!
When your trick or treating is done, you can use the cafe, gift shop and enjoy our other amazing museums and exhibitions and island walks, with lots of child friendly exhibits.

Be sure to come in fancy dress and bring a trick or treat bucket. Spook you soon!

 

Categories
Event

Spookscreen at Spike Island

Spookscreen at Spike Island
Saturday 10th September
Panel discussion and Q&A with special guests
Screening of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Categories
Event Literary Festival

Spike Island Literary Festival

Spike Island Literary Festival + sponsors

The inaugural SPIKE ISLAND LITERARY FESTIVAL is now on sale for the weekend of 02nd–04th September 2022!  Sponsored by Cork County Council, Commodore Hotel, Bella Vista Hotel, Trigon Hotels, Fota Island Resort and Belvelly Castle.  Dedicated to the popular theme of crime writing, visit an island location perfect for inspiring writers, with a dark history of four prisons over 400 years that has inspired many books. Lucky attendees can further their knowledge and writing skills with a series of author talks and workshops, suited to all genres and storytellers.

Every visitor will also enjoy very special access to all areas, with a ‘writers tour’ on arrival, which will focus on the criminals and crimes associated with this historic island.  Join us for an unbelievable deep dive into writing and the art of storytelling, at Ireland’s historic island.

You can choose from several great event formats:
Author speaking events – Where authors share their experience and advice in a relaxed setting, inspiring budding authors to achieve their goals. Includes a special tour on arrival.
Crime writing workshop – Join seasoned published author Kevin Doyle for a deep dive into writing in this exciting genre. Small class size and includes a tour on arrival.  Expect practical, applicable tips.
Screenwriting workshop – Writing for the screen has its own challenges, but incredible rewards! Learn the secrets at this insightful afternoon in small group size with Philip Davison, and see your name on the small or big screen one day!
Meet the publisher – Submit your synopsis and opening chapter in advance and receive advice from the people who really matter – the professionals who will decide if your book is published. Get time with highly experienced industry experts from the esteemed, Liberties Press – Small group size and tour included in this afternoon visit.  Take that all-important step to being published.
Author readings – Sit in as some world-class writers perform readings in incredible locations like prison cells and artillery gun parks!  Enjoy a very special ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour that focused on our writers and criminals that inspired books, and hear from the likes of Cónal Creedon, Philip Davison, Catherine Kirwan and more.  Going on sale at the end of June. 

02 SEPTEMBER – FRIDAY | EVENING | GRAND OPENING !!
PJ Coogan to open & interview Alex Barclay & Liz Nugent

A fantastic evening on Spike Island with renowned authors Alex Barclay and Liz Nugent interviewed by broadcaster PJ Coogan.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

This will be an intimate event with limited numbers in attendance. A unique opportunity to get such an insight into the minds of two of Ireland’s foremost thriller writers.

 

03 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY | Afternoon
EVENT – Meet the publisher – Liberties Press

A rare opportunity to meet face to face with one of Ireland’s most renowned publishing houses, Liberties Press. Receive feedback on your work and tips on how to make your work stand out to publishers.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

Attendees will be invited to submit a synopsis & opening chapter of their work in progress to [email protected] in advance of the festival and he will give feedback anonymously on the day. Anyone submitting should put “Spike Island Submission” in the subject line. Please do not submit work if you have not bought a ticket.

03 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY | Afternoon
Screenwriting workshop with Philip Davison (12 people max)

A fantastic afternoon on Spike Island with renowned author Phillip Davison giving an intimate screenwriting workshop

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

This will be an intimate event with limited numbers in attendance. A unique opportunity to get such an insight into the mind and writing methods of one of  Ireland’s foremost writers.

03 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY | Evening
Headline – John Connolly & Mark Billingham

A fantastic evening on Spike Island with renowned authors John Connolly & Mark Billingham in conversation.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

This will be an intimate event with limited numbers in attendance. A unique opportunity to meet two of Ireland and England’s foremost thriller writers

 

04 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY | Afternoon
Crime writing workshop with Kevin Doyle

A fantastic afternoon on Spike Island with renowned author Kevin Doyle giving an intimate crime writing workshop.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

This will be an intimate event with limited numbers in attendance. A unique opportunity to get such an insight into the mind and writing methods of one of  Ireland’s foremost thriller writers.

 

04 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY | Evening
Michelle Dunne & Andrea Mara

A fantastic evening on Spike Island with renowned authors Michelle Dunne & Andrea Mara interviewed by broadcaster PJ Coogan.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

SATURDAY 03rd & SUNDAY 04th – 12.30pm

Join us on this very special literary visit for a ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour followed by readings from authors in unique areas.  Once you step off the 12.30 pm ferry your guide will share the unbelievable tales of our murderers and notorious criminals.  Many have inspired writers to put pen to paper, and we will discuss the resulting books. Then we head underground through the Spike Island tunnels, where prisoners were held in the 1800s.  Normally off-limits to day tours, see a side of the island normally never seen.  Then join amazing authors for readings in incredible settings, like prison cells, artillery gun parks and more.  Tour and reading complete, you are free to explore the rest of our amazing island!

Saturday – 12.30 sailing

Reading 1 – Catherine Kirwan
Reading 2 – Amy Cronin
Reading 3 – Tadgh Coakley

Sunday – 12.30 sailing

Reading 1 – Philip Davison
Reading 2 – Cónal Creedon

 

About the Authors

Literary Festival Spike Island

Alex Barclay

Alex’s first two crime novels feature NYPD homicide detective, Joe Lucchesi, and the six novels that followed feature bipolar FBI agent, Ren Bryce. She also writes for screen and is currently developing an original crime series for television. Alex was born in Dublin, and lives on the Beara peninsula in Cork, where she’s set two of her most recent books – the psychological thriller, I Confess, and her debut novel for teens, My Heart and Other Breakables, published in 2022 by Harper Collins. Also In 2022, her YA crime debut, Rock Paper Killers, was published by Simon & Schuster under the pseudonym Alexia Mason

Find out more at harpercollins.co.uk/blogs/authors/alex-barclay

Literary Festival Spike Island

Mark Billingham

Mark is an Actor, television writer, comedian and international bestselling author of the Tom Thorne series. With nineteen books in the series, the first two became a six-part TV series, Thorne which originally aired on Sky One.

Find out more at uk.markbillingham.com

 

 

Literary Festival Spike Island

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’. Tadhg’s short stories, articles and essays have been widely published.

Find out more at www.tadhgcoakley.ie

Literary Festival Spike IslandJohn Connolly

International bestselling author of 30+ books, including the Charlie Parker novels, The Book Of Lost Things, the Samuel Johnson Adventures and more.

Find out more at www.johnconnollybooks.com

 

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandCónal Creedon

is an award-winning novelist, playwright and documentary filmmaker.

Find out more at www.conalcreedon.com

 

 

 

Literary Festival Spike Island

Amy Cronin

is a writer from Cork, Ireland. She is a fan of thrillers and crime novels, and her love of suspense and plot twists flows into her writing. Blinding Lies is Amy’s debut novel and is the first part of a trilogy. It is available online and in paperback in all good bookshops. It was a #1 bestseller in the Amazon Northern Irish Crime category, and #7 in the online Irish Crime category, as well as a WHSmith bestseller. The follow-up, Twisted Truth, is available now online and the paperback will be available in bookshops soon.

Find out more at www.amycroninauthor.com

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandPhilip Davison

has been described by Bob Geldof as “Ireland’s best-kept secret”; his work has been compared by the Irish Independent with that of John le Carré and Graham Greene. His most recent novels are Quiet City and Eureka Dunes, both published by Liberties Press. A TV adaptation of his novel The Crooked Man, starring Ross Kemp, was broadcast on ITV. He has written twelve plays for radio and has co-written two television dramas, Exposure and Criminal Conversation, and Learning Gravity, a documentary film on poet and undertaker Thomas Lynch. His play The Invisible Mending Company was performed on the Abbey Theatre’s Peacock stage.

Find out more at www.philipdavison.com

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandKevin Doyle

is the author of two novels, To Keep A Bird Singing and A River Of Bodies. He co-wrote (with Spark Deeley) the illustrated children’s book, The Worms that Saved the World. A widely experienced creative writing teacher he is currently chairperson of the Irish Writers Union.

Find out more at www.kevindoyle.ie

 

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandMichelle Dunne

is a writer from Cobh who has used some of her own experiences in the Irish Army and as a UN Peacekeeper to write her debut thriller, the first in the Lindsey Ryan series, While Nobody Is Watching which is currently in development for television. Her follow-up book, The Invisible was published in April 2022.

Find out more at www.michelledunnebooks.com

 

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandCatherine 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 current book, Cruel Deeds, is out now from Hachette Ireland.

Find out more at Penguin Books

 

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandAndrea Mara

is a Sunday Times and Irish Times Top Ten bestselling author, who has been shortlisted for several awards, including Irish Crime Novel of the Year at the An Post Book Awards. Her most recent novel, All Her Fault, was Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month, a top ten bestseller in the UK and Ireland, and a Kindle Top 5 bestseller. She lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband and three children, and also runs a multi-award-winning parent and lifestyle blog, OfficeMum.ie. Her new crime novel, Hide And Seek, will be published in August 2022.

Find out more at officemum.ie

Literary Festival Spike IslandLiz Nugent

is a writer of award-winning psychological suspense novels Unravelling Oliver (2014), Lying in Wait (2016), Skin Deep (2018) and Our Little Cruelties (2020). All four books topped the Irish bestsellers list and Liz has won multiple literary awards. Her books have also been optioned for screen adaptations. Liz’s books have been translated into 16 languages and she has also written extensively for radio and television in drama and animation. In October 2017, Liz won the Irish Woman of the Year Award for Literature and in February 2021, she was awarded the James Joyce medal by the Literary Historical Society of UCD.

Find out more at www.liznugent.ie

Sponsors:

Categories
Event

Strictly Cash

SPIKE ISLAND are proud to present STRICTLY CASH, the world’s premier Johnny Cash tribute band who have brought their professional and distinct quality all over the world.  Marking over 50 years since the infamous Folsom prison gig, STRICTLY CASH will be together again on Cork’s own Alcatraz, Fort Mitchell, Spike Island.  Expect a fitting tribute to the Man in Black and that legendary concert at California’s notorious Folsom Prison, on Ireland’s most famous prison island.

This will be a night to remember in a great location, with time to see the prison cells prior to the show, and the first arriving boat getting a short tour.  So join us, limited seats on the boat!

Categories
Event Fireworks

Spike Island Independence Day Celebrations – 2022

Celebrating Independence day, 2022!

Spike Island Independence Day CelebrationsOn July 17th 2022 a fireworks display will light up Spike Island and Cork Harbour, as we celebrate our Independence day on the island.  It was July 11th 1938 that Spike Island was eventually handed from British to Irish control, a huge seventeen years after Irish Independence.  The islands fort and strategic setting were considered so important by the British, they insisted on keeping the location as part of the Cork Harbour forts, and other treaty ports in Berehaven and Lough Swilly.  It took seventeen years and fierce negotiation during a trade war between Ireland and Britain to secure Spike Island’s return in 1938, just in time to save the remote outpost from German bombers and certain destruction.

Fireworks, festivities and family fun.

Spike Island celebrates the momentous occasion of the handover from Britain to Ireland with a special night of entertainment.  You can hop on the ferry for the short 12 minute ferry crossing, where a guide will meet you to take you on a special history tour.  We share the rich story of the handover in detail, and our incredible 1300 years of Irish history.

Visitors can then enjoy our several museums and exhibitions, and enjoy scenic walks around our beautiful natural island.  In the fort see the 1850’s punishment block, the modern prison cells, our Cork Harbour interactive space, the Independence exhibition and more.

Discover on the outer island the abandoned village, the convict cemetery, the old beautiful beaches with harbour town views and amazing nature and wildlife.

On this special night, you can enjoy performances by various musicians in pop up locations, face painting for kids, additional guided elements and of course the amazing fireworks display at the end.  Over 1300 fireworks will light the sky, a tribute to the each of the 1300 convicts who never left the confines of our harsh Victorian and Modern prisons.

Spike Island Independence Day Celebrations

Learn more – 1938 handover.

  • Learn more about this momentous event here – https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/independence-day-1938/
  • Book tickets to this amazing event here – https://spikeislandcork.digitickets.co.uk/category/41662
Spike Island Independence Day Celebrations
Eamon DeValera visits Spike Island on the handover from Britain to Ireland in 1938.

 

Categories
Event Tom

Captain Patrick White Commemoration Tour

Join us on Saturday 28th May for a fascinating history tour that remembers the tragic shooting of Patrick White, who was shot while playing hurling. The young IRA Captain from Meelick, County Clare was held on Spike Island for his activity in the Irish War of Independence, along with 1200 Irish Republicans in 1921. They were from every county in the Martial Law Area – Cork, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford, and Kilkenny. Our ‘Independence’ exhibition on Spike Island tells their story.
On this walking history tour, you will access the original 1921 Spike Island prison, which is normally off limits to regular visitors. Visitors will hear the full story of the 1921 prison, including its escapes, riots, and hunger strikes. We will also focus on the tragic killing of Patrick White, who was shot while playing hurling with his comrades inside the fort on May 31st , 1921. Why was this spiteful act carried out? It may well have been revenge, for an earlier bombing of British troops that took place in Youghal that morning, but your tour will reveal all. Join us as we remember the 1921 prison, its inhabitants, and mark the life of a rebel who fought to free Ireland.
The tour includes guided element, access to areas normally off limits to the public, time to explore our Independence exhibition, a coffee break mid-way and the laying of a wreath and tribute to Patrick White. Limited spaces and pre-booking essential.
Categories
Event Literary Festival

Literary Festival

The inaugural SPIKE ISLAND LITERARY FESTIVAL is now on sale for the weekend of 02nd–04th September 2022!  Sponsored by Cork County Council, Commodore Hotel, Bella Vista Hotel, Trigon Hotels, Fota Island Resort and Belvelly Castle.  Dedicated to the popular theme of crime writing, visit an island location perfect for inspiring writers, with a dark history of four prisons over 400 years that has inspired many books. Lucky attendees can further their knowledge and writing skills with a series of author talks and workshops, suited to all genres and storytellers.

Every visitor will also enjoy very special access to all areas, with a ‘writers tour’ on arrival, which will focus on the criminals and crimes associated with this historic island.  Join us for an unbelievable deep dive into writing and the art of storytelling, at Ireland’s historic island.

You can choose from several great event formats:
Author speaking events – Where authors share their experience and advice in a relaxed setting, inspiring budding authors to achieve their goals. Includes a special tour on arrival.
Crime writing workshop – Join seasoned published author Kevin Doyle for a deep dive into writing in this exciting genre. Small class size and includes a tour on arrival.  Expect practical, applicable tips.
Screenwriting workshop – Writing for the screen has its own challenges, but incredible rewards! Learn the secrets at this insightful afternoon in small group size with Philip Davison, and see your name on the small or big screen one day!
Meet the publisher – Submit your synopsis and opening chapter in advance and receive advice from the people who really matter – the professionals who will decide if your book is published. Get time with highly experienced industry experts from the esteemed, Liberties Press – Small group size and tour included in this afternoon visit.  Take that all-important step to being published.
Author readings – Sit in as some world-class writers perform readings in incredible locations like prison cells and artillery gun parks!  Enjoy a very special ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour that focused on our writers and criminals that inspired books, and hear from the likes of Cónal Creedon, Philip Davison, Catherine Kirwan and more.  Going on sale at the end of June. 

02 SEPTEMBER – FRIDAY | EVENING | GRAND OPENING !!
PJ Coogan to open & interview Alex Barclay & Liz Nugent

PRICE PER TICKET: €25
BOAT IN: 5 pm – RETURN: 8.15 pm

A fantastic evening on Spike Island with renowned authors Alex Barclay and Liz Nugent interviewed by broadcaster PJ Coogan.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

This will be an intimate event with limited numbers in attendance. A unique opportunity to get such an insight into the minds of two of Ireland’s foremost thriller writers.

 

03 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY | Afternoon
EVENT – Meet the publisher – Liberties Press

PRICE PER TICKET: €25.  Includes ferry, short tour and event.
BOAT IN: 12.30 pm – RETURN: 4.30 pm

A rare opportunity to meet face to face with one of Ireland’s most renowned publishing houses, Liberties Press. Receive feedback on your work and tips on how to make your work stand out to publishers.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

Attendees will be invited to submit a synopsis & opening chapter of their work in progress to [email protected] in advance of the festival and he will give feedback anonymously on the day. Anyone submitting should put “Spike Island Submission” in the subject line. Please do not submit work if you have not bought a ticket.

 

03 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY | Afternoon
Screenwriting workshop with Philip Davison (12 people max)

PRICE PER TICKET: €25 – Includes boat, tour and 2.5 hours approx in screenwriting workshop.
BOAT IN: 12:30 pm – RETURN: 4.30 pm

A fantastic afternoon on Spike Island with renowned author Phillip Davison giving an intimate screenwriting workshop

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

This will be an intimate event with limited numbers in attendance. A unique opportunity to get such an insight into the mind and writing methods of one of  Ireland’s foremost writers.

 

03 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY | Evening
Headline – John Connolly & Mark Billingham

PRICE PER TICKET: €25
BOAT IN: 4 pm –  RETURN: 7 pm

A fantastic evening on Spike Island with renowned authors John Connolly & Mark Billingham in conversation.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

This will be an intimate event with limited numbers in attendance. A unique opportunity to meet two of Ireland and England’s foremost thriller writers

 

 

04 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY | Afternoon
Crime writing workshop with Kevin Doyle

PRICE PER TICKET: €25
BOAT IN: 12.30 pm – RETURN: 4.30 pm

A fantastic afternoon on Spike Island with renowned author Kevin Doyle giving an intimate crime writing workshop.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

This will be an intimate event with limited numbers in attendance. A unique opportunity to get such an insight into the mind and writing methods of one of  Ireland’s foremost thriller writers.

 

 

04 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY | Evening
Michelle Dunne & Andrea Mara

PRICE PER TICKET: €25
BOAT IN: 12:30 pm – RETURN: 4:30 pm

A fantastic evening on Spike Island with renowned authors Michelle Dunne & Andrea Mara interviewed by broadcaster PJ Coogan.

On arrival, visitors will be given a guided tour with a focus on a murder mystery and the darker tales of Spike Island. On arrival at the Fortress itself, there will be time to enjoy a tea/coffee before the event begins.

 

SATURDAY 03rd & SUNDAY 04th – 12.30pm

PRICE PER TICKET: €25
BOAT IN: 12.30 pm – RETURN: 4.30 pm

Join us on this very special literary visit for a ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour followed by readings from authors in unique areas.  Once you step off the 12.30 pm ferry your guide will share the unbelievable tales of our murderers and notorious criminals.  Many have inspired writers to put pen to paper, and we will discuss the resulting books. Then we head underground through the Spike Island tunnels, where prisoners were held in the 1800s.  Normally off-limits to day tours, see a side of the island normally never seen.  Then join amazing authors for readings in incredible settings, like prison cells, artillery gun parks and more.  Tour and reading complete, you are free to explore the rest of our amazing island!

Saturday – 12.30 sailing

Reading 1 – Catherine Kirwan
Reading 2 – Amy Cronin
Reading 3 – Tadgh Coakley

Sunday – 12.30 sailing

Reading 1 – Philip Davison
Reading 2 – Cónal Creedon

 

 

About the Authors

Literary Festival Spike Island

Alex Barclay

Alex’s first two crime novels feature NYPD homicide detective, Joe Lucchesi, and the six novels that followed feature bipolar FBI agent, Ren Bryce. She also writes for screen and is currently developing an original crime series for television. Alex was born in Dublin, and lives on the Beara peninsula in Cork, where she’s set two of her most recent books – the psychological thriller, I Confess, and her debut novel for teens, My Heart and Other Breakables, published in 2022 by Harper Collins. Also In 2022, her YA crime debut, Rock Paper Killers, was published by Simon & Schuster under the pseudonym Alexia Mason

Find out more at harpercollins.co.uk/blogs/authors/alex-barclay

Literary Festival Spike Island

Mark Billingham

Mark is an Actor, television writer, comedian and international bestselling author of the Tom Thorne series. With nineteen books in the series, the first two became a six-part TV series, Thorne which originally aired on Sky One.

Find out more at uk.markbillingham.com

 

 

Literary Festival Spike Island

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’. Tadhg’s short stories, articles and essays have been widely published.

Find out more at www.tadhgcoakley.ie

Literary Festival Spike IslandJohn Connolly

International bestselling author of 30+ books, including the Charlie Parker novels, The Book Of Lost Things, the Samuel Johnson Adventures and more.

Find out more at www.johnconnollybooks.com

 

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandCónal Creedon

is an award-winning novelist, playwright and documentary filmmaker.

Find out more at www.conalcreedon.com

 

 

 

Literary Festival Spike Island

Amy Cronin

is a writer from Cork, Ireland. She is a fan of thrillers and crime novels, and her love of suspense and plot twists flows into her writing. Blinding Lies is Amy’s debut novel and is the first part of a trilogy. It is available online and in paperback in all good bookshops. It was a #1 bestseller in the Amazon Northern Irish Crime category, and #7 in the online Irish Crime category, as well as a WHSmith bestseller. The follow-up, Twisted Truth, is available now online and the paperback will be available in bookshops soon.

Find out more at www.amycroninauthor.com

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandPhilip Davison

has been described by Bob Geldof as “Ireland’s best-kept secret”; his work has been compared by the Irish Independent with that of John le Carré and Graham Greene. His most recent novels are Quiet City and Eureka Dunes, both published by Liberties Press. A TV adaptation of his novel The Crooked Man, starring Ross Kemp, was broadcast on ITV. He has written twelve plays for radio and has co-written two television dramas, Exposure and Criminal Conversation, and Learning Gravity, a documentary film on poet and undertaker Thomas Lynch. His play The Invisible Mending Company was performed on the Abbey Theatre’s Peacock stage.

Find out more at www.philipdavison.com

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandKevin Doyle

is the author of two novels, To Keep A Bird Singing and A River Of Bodies. He co-wrote (with Spark Deeley) the illustrated children’s book, The Worms that Saved the World. A widely experienced creative writing teacher he is currently chairperson of the Irish Writers Union.

Find out more at www.kevindoyle.ie

 

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandMichelle Dunne

is a writer from Cobh who has used some of her own experiences in the Irish Army and as a UN Peacekeeper to write her debut thriller, the first in the Lindsey Ryan series, While Nobody Is Watching which is currently in development for television. Her follow-up book, The Invisible was published in April 2022.

Find out more at www.michelledunnebooks.com

 

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandCatherine 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 current book, Cruel Deeds, is out now from Hachette Ireland.

Find out more at Penguin Books

 

 

Literary Festival Spike IslandAndrea Mara

is a Sunday Times and Irish Times Top Ten bestselling author, who has been shortlisted for several awards, including Irish Crime Novel of the Year at the An Post Book Awards. Her most recent novel, All Her Fault, was Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month, a top ten bestseller in the UK and Ireland, and a Kindle Top 5 bestseller. She lives in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband and three children, and also runs a multi-award-winning parent and lifestyle blog, OfficeMum.ie. Her new crime novel, Hide And Seek, will be published in August 2022.

Find out more at officemum.ie

Literary Festival Spike IslandLiz Nugent

is a writer of award-winning psychological suspense novels Unravelling Oliver (2014), Lying in Wait (2016), Skin Deep (2018) and Our Little Cruelties (2020). All four books topped the Irish bestsellers list and Liz has won multiple literary awards. Her books have also been optioned for screen adaptations. Liz’s books have been translated into 16 languages and she has also written extensively for radio and television in drama and animation. In October 2017, Liz won the Irish Woman of the Year Award for Literature and in February 2021, she was awarded the James Joyce medal by the Literary Historical Society of UCD.

Find out more at www.liznugent.ie

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