The Aud

The Aud: “special, secret and dangerous mission” and The Aud: Submerged History is a new two-room exhibition presented at Spike Island, Cork Harbour, marking 110 years since the 1916 Aud mission.

Developed by the Spike Island Curatorial Team, the exhibition examines the covert German arms operation carried out aboard the SS Libau, disguised as the Aud, and its connection to the Easter Rising. Drawing on new research, archival material, personal recollections, and contributions from descendants of the crew, the project explores both the historical significance of the mission and its more personal dimensions.

The exhibition also shows the vessel through underwater photography, situating the wreck within the maritime history of Cork Harbour.

Presented across two gallery spaces, the exhibition combines narrative panels, artefacts, photography, film, archival material, underwater survey documentation, and sound to create a reflective, research-led visitor experience.

THE AUD
“special, secret and dangerous mission”

This gallery focuses on the planning, execution, interception, and consequences of the Libau/Aud operation in 1916.

The exhibition includes newly displayed artefacts, historical photographs, archival material, and personal accounts connected to the crew and their imprisonment on Spike Island and later internment in Britain.

THE AUD
SUBMERGED HISTORY

This gallery explores the story of the Aud following its sinking in Cork Harbour and examines the vessel as part of Ireland’s underwater cultural heritage.

Underwater photography of the wreck presents the sea as an archival space, where the material traces of 1916 remain suspended between preservation, loss, and memory.

Additional photographs of artefacts from the Aud reflect contemporary artistic responses to the vessel and its historical legacy.

Project coordination, research and curation by Dorota Gubbins
Production & print: Flanagan Prints, Youghal / Ewa Rybka

Special thanks are extended to Anthony O’Mahony for sharing research material and archaeological survey work relating to the wreck, and to Derek Bolton for his underwater photography and film contributions.

Huge thanks are also extended to Fred and John Schmitz, grandsons of one of the crew members, for generously sharing family recollections, photographs and privately recorded footage documenting the recovery of the Aud anchors in 2012, accompanied by original music composed for the exhibition.

Appreciation is also extended to the Spike Island Volunteers for sharing an archival photograph connected to the crew’s imprisonment on Spike Island, and for supporting the development of narrative material relating to Roger Casement and his involvement in the mission.

Grateful thanks to Conor Nelligan, Cork County Council Heritage Officer, for his support throughout this project.

This project is supported by Cork County Council and the Heritage Council under the County Heritage Plan Funding 2026