Cork's Spike Island to commemorate handover history with firework display

SPIKE Island will commemorate the 86th anniversary of its independence on Saturday, July 13 with a fireworks display that will illuminate the sky over Cork Harbour.

Spike Island holds a significant place in Irish history, having served as a military fortress and a notorious prison.

Visitors to the island have been discovering the stories of the captains and convicts, sinners and saints who once inhabited the island since it first opened to members of the public in 2015.

Now, visitors have the opportunity to experience one of Ireland’s historical landmarks in a unique way while celebrating its independence and marking the handover of the prison fortress from Britain on July 11, 1938.

Tribute

The special tribute and poignant reminder of the island’s past will see over 1,300 fireworks light up the sky symbolising the inmates who tragically lost their lives during Spike Island’s history as a prison.

Visitors will enjoy live entertainment and a host of family-friendly activities, including pop-up musical performances, face painters, and much more, ensuring a memorable experience for guests of all ages.

Access to the event will be by a short ferry journey across Cork Harbour followed by a guided tour on arrival offering detailed insights into the island’s remarkable history.

Explore

Visitors can also explore the fort, museums and exhibitions, as well as the island’s walking trail, before the fireworks display which will take place as darkness falls.

To facilitate the smooth flow of the event, boats will begin departing from 5.15pm. 

Early arrivals can enjoy the island’s attractions and will also be among the first to depart the island after the event concludes. Return boats will commence at 10.30pm, departing every 10 minutes. Visitors are advised to check their ticket times for the return boat, with the last departure scheduled for approximately 11.45pm.

Attendance will be capped on the island and demand is expected to be high and advance online booking is essential. 

Those interested in attending can secure their spot by visiting www.spikeislandcork.ie/spike-island-independence-celebrations-2023/ to reserve tickets. Further information is available on Spike Island’s website https://www.spikeislandcork.ie.