Spike Island will celebrate the 84th anniversary of the handover of the island from Britain to Ireland on Sunday 17th July.
The island was officially handed from Britain to Ireland on July 11th, 1938, and the island celebrates this momentous event on the closest weekend to that date.
Restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to the annual celebrations for the past two years, however the hugely popular event will return this year with a fireworks display set to light up Cork Harbour.
The display will include 1300 fireworks, one for every convict who died on the island in its three prison incarnations - in the 1800’s, 1921 and from 1985 to 2004. Other entertainment on the night will include an optional guided tour on arrival, performances by musicians, face painters and children’s games, while visitors can explore the islands many museums, exhibitions and scenic walks.
Island manager John Crotty said the island is excited to welcome visitors for the islands celebratory evening and to see the new additions to the island offering:
“It has been a long three years since we last marked this momentous occasion in the islands history. On that day in 1938, Ireland grew just a little a little larger in size, but infinitely larger in stature. We look forward to celebrating the occasion by lighting up Cork Harbour and sharing our rich history with eager attendees."
