Category: Tom

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.

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.

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.