New ferry to Spike Island as exhibition opens

A new ferry to Spike Island has set sail and comes amid the launch of a new exhibition on the historic island.

The ferry will complement the existing service by increasing capacity and allowing visitors a longer stay on the 104-acre island.

The ‘Spike Island’ will be operated by Doyle Shipping who secured the 126-seater ferry from the south of France, where it previously operated in the waters off Monaco carrying day trippers in the Mediterranean. Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan performed the ceremonial honour of pouring champagne on the bow on the recent 81st anniversary of the handover of Spike Island from Britain to Ireland.

Following the ferry launch, Mayor O’Sullivan made his way to Spike Island where he also launched a new national exhibition called ‘Independence’.

The exhibition tells the story of the Irish road to freedom and the 1,400 Irish freedom fighters held on Spike Island in 1921.

Families of the men held on the island were present for the exhibition which is the result of five years of research led by the island’s assistant manager, and resident historian, Tom O’Neill with support for the team at Spike Island.

‘Independence’ begins in 1914, during the outbreak of World War I, and details how Ireland sought to take advantage of British distraction and the failed rising in 1916.

The exhibition includes original footage and artefacts made by the men who stayed on the island, including autograph books and diaries. There is also a genealogy section which allows visitors to search for the details of the 1400 men held here.