Fireworks Celebration 2026
At Spike Island, we’re celebrating our 88th birthday this year with our annual Family Fun Evening and Fireworks Display, commemorating the historic handover of Spike Island from Britain to Ireland in 1938. We'll be celebrating our Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display, musical performances, circus performers, and much more family fare on Saturday, July 18th.
At this special Independence Day celebration, visitors will enjoy captivating entertainment and an abundance of family-friendly activities while immersing themselves in the island's rich history, this event is always a truly memorable experience for guests of all ages.
Visitors will take the ferry across Cork harbour from Cobh over to the island, enjoying the views along the way of the one of largest natural harbours in the world. On Spike, you have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour, explore the fort's amazing museums and exhibitions, and walk the amazing island nature trails. On this special night, there will also be family entertainment, children’s activities, musical performances, circus skills performances, face painters and more.
As the night unfolds, the highlight of the event will be a spectacular fireworks display over Cork Harbour. A total of 1300 fireworks will illuminate the sky, symbolising the inmates who tragically lost their lives during Spike Island's history as a prison in what promises to be a special tribute and a poignant reminder of the island's past. The fireworks display is expected to begin at 10.45pm approximately.
To facilitate the smooth flow of the event, boats will begin heading to Spike from 5.00pm. Those arriving on the earlier sailings will have ample time to 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 11pm, departing every 10 minutes. Visitors are advised to check their ticket times for the return boat, with the last departure scheduled for approximately 12.30am.
Attendance for this special celebration is expected to be high, and therefore, advance online booking is essential. Anyone accessing the ferry regardless of age will require a ticket. This event is not recommended for those under 5 years old.
Ticket options
At Spike Island, we’re celebrating our 88th birthday this year with our annual Family Fun Evening and Fireworks Display, commemorating the historic handover of Spike Island from Britain to Ireland in 1938. We'll be celebrating our Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display, musical performances, circus performers, and much more family fare on Saturday, July 18th.
At this special Independence Day celebration, visitors will enjoy captivating entertainment and an abundance of family-friendly activities while immersing themselves in the island's rich history, this event is always a truly memorable experience for guests of all ages.
Visitors will take the ferry across Cork harbour from Cobh over to the island, enjoying the views along the way of the one of largest natural harbours in the world. On Spike, you have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour, explore the fort's amazing museums and exhibitions, and walk the amazing island nature trails. On this special night, there will also be family entertainment, children’s activities, musical performances, circus skills performances, face painters and more.
As the night unfolds, the highlight of the event will be a spectacular fireworks display over Cork Harbour. A total of 1300 fireworks will illuminate the sky, symbolising the inmates who tragically lost their lives during Spike Island's history as a prison in what promises to be a special tribute and a poignant reminder of the island's past. The fireworks display is expected to begin at 10.45pm approximately.
To facilitate the smooth flow of the event, boats will begin heading to Spike from 5.00pm. Those arriving on the earlier sailings will have ample time to 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 11pm, departing every 10 minutes. Visitors are advised to check their ticket times for the return boat, with the last departure scheduled for approximately 12.30am.
Attendance for this special celebration is expected to be high, and therefore, advance online booking is essential. Anyone accessing the ferry regardless of age will require a ticket. This event is not recommended for those under 5 years old.
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