Category: Uncategorized

Friday, 5th September

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12 am – 4:30 pm
Price per ticket: €49.95
Boat in: 12 pm | Return: 4:30 pm

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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.

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Pitch the Agent

with Diana Beaumont & Nicky Lovick

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

Hop over to Spike Island for an eggs-tra special Easter Adventure

Follow the clues along the Easter Trail to claim your delicious treat!

Looking for an egg-citing Easter adventure the whole family will enjoy? Sail from Cobh to Ireland’s infamous prison island – where history and adventure meet sweet surprises this Easter break!

With family fun and a few cheeky chocolate treats along the way, the Spike Island Experience is the perfect day out for the entire family this Easter.

Young adventurers can take part in our Easter Egg Hunt, as they follow a fun-filled trail while exploring hidden corners of the fortress before claiming their chocolate reward at the end!

While the kids enjoy the Easter magic, grown-ups can soak up panoramic views of Cork Harbour, explore the island’s rich history – from monastery to fortress to prison – and enjoy guided tours that bring its past to life.

Don’t miss out on an egg-citing visit to Spike Island this Easter. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, Spike Island has something magical in store this April.

Hop aboard and let the hunt begin!

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Spike Island Fireworks Spectacular

The hugely popular Spike Island Fireworks Spectacular is set to return with a bang on Sunday, 1st June, lighting up the sky over Cork Harbour for an unforgettable night of celebration. Traditionally held later in the summer, this year’s event moves to an earlier date, allowing us to not only commemorate our Independence Day – the anniversary of the historic handover of Spike Island from Britain to Ireland – but also to officially kick off the 2025 summer season.

Visitors will enjoy an evening of captivating entertainment, live music, and family-friendly activities,
all leading up to the spectacular fireworks display that has become a highlight of the Cork events calendar.

Whether you’re a returning visitor or experiencing the magic of Spike Island for the first time, this is an event not to be missed.

Join us for an explosive start to summer 2025 – secure your tickets now!

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To facilitate the smooth flow of the event, boats will begin to depart from Cobh at 4:40 pm.
Early arrivals will have ample time to enjoy all that the island has to offer and will also be among the first to depart the island after the event concludes.
The fireworks display will take place at 10:45 pm approx and return boats will commence thereafter.

Tickets are on sale now and advance booking is essential for this event.

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Official Results:

Click to open document in a new window

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Video:

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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. 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!

 

During the Irish War of Independence, the British Army opened a ‘Military Prison in the Field’ on Spike Island on the 19th of February 1921. Republicans were held here as prisoners and internees.
Prisoners were those that were arrested or captured by the Royal Irish Constabulary or the British Army and subsequently charged, tried, convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment for a particular offence. On Spike Island, they were held in the prison compound.
Internees were those arrested by the same Crown Forces and imprisoned without trial for their suspected involvement in republican activities. On Spike Island, they were held in the internment compound.
Prisoners that were nearing their release date could if they were still considered a threat be kept in custody as internees.

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Number	Owner	Internee/Prisoner	Entries
AB 1	Florence   O’Leary	i	108
AB 2	Patrick Tobin	i	82
AB 3	Daniel Dennehy	i	45
AB 4	Thomas Conway	p	43
AB 5	Michael O’Sullivan	i	92
AB 6	Patrick O’Connor	i	94
AB 7	Patrick O’Halloran	p	59
AB 8	Denis Murphy	p	89
AB 9	John Brett	i	35
AB 10	Patrick Barry	i	89
AB 11	William Dower	p	33
AB 12	James Butler	i	48
AB 13	Patrick O’Donoghue	i	74
AB 14	John Dowling	i	56
AB 15	Maurice Walsh	i	89
AB 16	Denis McDonald	i	75
AB 17	Sean Sinnott	i	62
AB 18	Tim Healy	i	96
AB 19	Mick Murphy	p	76
AB 20	Michael Bowles	p	63
AB 21	Geoffrey Morrissey	i	94
AB 22	John Cahill	i	100
AB 23	Henry O’Mahony	i	90
AB 24	James Fraher	p	11
AB 25	Tom Ryan	i	110
AB 26	Michael Connolly	i	30

The 6 inch guns entered British service at the start of the 20th Century and saw use in naval, coastal and land artillery roles.  Three of these guns were located on Spike Island from around 1902. Two were mounted operationally in open emplacements on Number 3 Bastion and the third for training purposes in a covered building on the north of the island known as the Drill shed. In 1938 the Irish Army’s Coastal Defence Artillery took over Spike Island’s 6” guns.

In 1943 the Irish Army undertook the enormous task of relocating the guns to their present underground emplacements, deep within the forts walls at the end of long tunnels in Bastions 2 and 4 of the fortress.  Spike Island’s 6” guns were manned continuously throughout the ‘Emergency’ period, more commonly known internationally as World War 2.  After the war the role of Coastal Defence Artillery declined and the gunners were re-rolled to air defence artillery.

Spike Island’s 6 inch gun on Bastion 2 saw a new lease of life with the arrival of the Prison Service in 1985, with staff and inmates working on its restoration.  This task was completed by a team of ex-island residents and volunteers in the years after the heritage centre opened and they continue to maintain the weapons today.

Today both guns 1 and 2 are open to the public and are kept in a high state of restoration, and continue to impress the visiting public with their striking views out over Cork harbour. The 6 inch guns are the largest surviving examples of breech loading guns in Ireland.

Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with a Spike Island Voucher.

 

Looking for the perfect present this festive season? Give the gift of an unforgettable experience this Christmas with a Spike Island Voucher.

Treat someone special in your life to a day of adventure, history and memories to last a lifetime on Ireland’s prison island nestled in the stunning Cork Harbour.

Whether they’re a history buff, a military enthusiast or simply a fan of the great outdoors, they’ll love to find the gift of an island adventure under the tree this Christmas!

 

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Why choose a Spike Island Gift Voucher?

● A Day of Discovery: Embark on a ferry journey across Cork Harbour before exploring the rich history of Spike Island, from its monastic beginnings to its time as a fortress and prison.

● Guided Tours: Our knowledgeable guides will take your loved ones on an immersive journey, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the island’s past.

● Breathtaking Views: Marvel at the breathtaking views of Cork Harbor from the island. It’s a picture-perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories.

● Family-Friendly Fun: Spike Island is perfect for families! Children and adults alike can engage in interactive exhibits, enjoy the great outdoors, making it a special gift for the entire family.

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Please note: Gift vouchers can be purchased in values from €25 up to €200.

Our gift vouchers can be used to purchase tickets for a visit to Spike Island (including ferry journey, guided tour and access to the island) and can also be redeemed in our on-site gift shop.

Gift vouchers can be used to purchase tickets for both regular day tours to Spike Island and our After Dark Tours.

 

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Make this Christmas one to remember with the gift of adventure on Spike Island and surprise your friends and family with a memorable experience they can look forward to in 2025 and beyond.

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Get into the festive spirit at Spike Island this Christmas.

Join us on Sunday 8 December for our annual Charity Christmas Concert, a heartwarming event organised by our Volunteers and staff.
As we celebrate the season of giving, all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Park Road Day Care Centre in Cobh.

Expect a memorable afternoon of festive music from Sonatinas Choir under the direction of conductor Rachel O’Brien in the charming surrounds of our Mitchel Hall building. Tickets are €20 and include not only entry to the festive concert but also your ferry journey and time to self explore our island and fortress.

Special thanks to our ferry provider Doyle Shipping Group who have kindly sponsored the boat on the day, to our cafe provider, Centra Cobh who provide food and refreshments free of charge, and to Sonatinas Choir who give up their time voluntarily as do our tour guides.

Embrace the holiday spirit with us at Spike Island this Christmas. Secure your tickets now and be part of a day filled with music, history, and the joy of giving. 

Boat departs from Kennedy Pier, Cobh at 2:15pm.

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Tickets €35* on sale now!

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