A new ferry has been launched to Spike Island in Cork harbour to coincide with the opening of a major new exhibition. The ferry, named after the island, can accommodate 126 passengers and will be operated by Doyle Shipping.
In addition to the new ferry, new walking trails have been developed on the island as an additional attraction and a new, wheelchair accessible pontoon had just opened in Cobh.
Recently, the island has opened its ‘Independence’ exhibition, which focuses on IRA men interned there in 1921. It tells the story of the Irish road to freedom and of the 1,400 IRA men, or suspected IRA members, interned there by the British. Beginning in 1914 and the outbreak of World War One, the exhibition details how Ireland sought to take advantage of British distraction and includes footage and the story of the failed 1916 Rising. Visitors can ‘stand trial’ as one of 14 Irishmen accused of crimes during the War of Independence, including ‘levying war again the King'.
For more information and ticket prices see https://spikeislandcork.ie/.