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SPIKE ISLAND REPRESENTS IRELAND AT GLOBAL AWARDS TONIGHT TUESDAY 05TH NOV

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Spike Island Cork will compete at the prestigious ‘International Travel and Tourism Awards’ 2019, the ITTA’s, in the ‘best attraction’ category this evening, Tuesday 05th November. The Cork County Council site will represent Ireland alongside the Cliffs of Moher in the final 6 shortlist with Ireland the only country to have 2 sites make the final 6.

Also included in the highly competitive final 6 are Harry Potter at Warner Bros studios London, The Dark Sky reserve at Alqueva Portugal, Disney’s new outdoor park venture Les Villages Nature in Paris and the Shoko Shuseikan Museum in Japan, a UNESCO world heritage site which showcases 800 years of Japanese history. The island will hope to be the first Irish site to win at the awards with Cork food offering ‘A taste of West Cork’ being shortlisted in the 2018 awards for ‘Best food destination’.

The island attraction opened to the public in June 2016 following a 6.5 million Euro investment by Cork County Council and Failte Ireland that saw several areas opened to the public, including the original 1840’s famine era prison and the modern cells which were in use until 2004. Since the 2016 redevelopment Cork County Council have reopened new areas each year with 2019 seeing a major exhibition opened on the 1921 period, when 1400 War of Independence prisoner were held on the island. New island walking trails were added and a second ferry put in place as the site continues to grow and its numbers have swelled from 27000 in 2016 to over 80000 in 2019. It is hoped the island can eventually join the prestigious list of Irish sites attracting over 100.000 visitors a year.

The island tells the story of Irish history through the islands unique eyes, which includes a monastery in the 7th century, a fortress built to defend the British empire in the 1700’s, the world’s largest prison during the famine years in the 1850’s and the modern prison that opened in 1985. The island was also a home to the Irish army and navy defence forces whose stories are told in exhibitions. The island was a holding place for and a home or visiting place to many famous historical characters, from infamous criminals like Martin Cahill and Victorian thief Jack in the box, to politicians and royalty like Eamon DeValera, Queen Victoria and Winston Churcill, who described the island as ‘The sentinel tower of the defences of Western Europe’ when arguing for its retention by Britain in 1938.

Since the islands reopening it has gate crashed the top 5 highest rates sites in Ireland on review site Tripadvisor, surpassing many well established attractions. It continues to be a favourite of locals and international visitors alike as its mix of a ferry ride, 104 maintained acres, scenic walking trails and several historical museums and exhibitions offers something for everyone.

The island was crowned ‘Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the World travel awards in 2017 and has been a regular at international and national award ceremonies since, making the Irish Tourism awards finals for the last 2 years in a row. While the World Travel Awards are decided by public vote a team of international judges shortlists and decides the winner of the ITTA’s.

Cork County Council chief executive Tim Lucey said “Whatever the result we are proud to see the island make these global finals. The islands success at growing its numbers and attracting international visitors and awards is a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by Cork County council and Failte Ireland in developing the site. We hope to see it continue that success on its path towards full development”.

Island manager John Crotty said he hoped to see the site further its brand internationally following the nomination. “The islands win at the World Travel Awards in 2017 really helped to grow visitor’s numbers and get our message out to an international audience. We hope this nomination has the same impact and will do the same, expanding our impact and awareness in the international arena”. Asked on the secret to the islands success, Mr Crotty said he felt the depth of history, beautiful island setting and passion of the guides were the critical factors. “We are blessed with so much rich authentic history on Spike Island that every visitor can find something to connect with from our prison, military or social past. Our tour guides are passionate about delivering that history and sharing our story. You also have a beautiful 104 acre island to enjoy so there really is something for everyone”.

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