ESCAPE TO IRELAND’S ALCATRAZ AS SPIKE ISLAND REOPENS JUNE 29th

Cork County Council site Spike Island is set to reopen on June 29^th after its enforced closure during the Covid-19 shutdown.  The island attraction was opened as a visitor attraction in 2016 and has enjoyed 4 successful years, growing its visitors from 27000 in year one to 81000 in 2019.  The island had been hoping for another season of growth in both domestic and international visitors but the Corona virus has affected those plans.   

Island manger John Crotty said “We are delighted that we are able to reopen in what is a difficult year for Irish tourism sites, as well as the towns they operate in.  It is important for our departure town of Cobh that there are reasons to visit so we will work hard to deliver safe and exceptional tours during this time”.

The island had been hoping for increased international visitors in 2020, particularly from American visitors as the site is currently showing on 2 Discovery channel programmes in the States.  However international visitors are expect to be negligible this year.  Mr Crotty said “It will be a disappointment not to continue our growth in international visitors as they bring a high spend into areas with bed nights, local food and retail and transport from one area to another”.  “This is now very much a reset year for Irish tourism and we have to ensure we are ready and place ourselves in the mind of international travellers keen to travel again from 2021 on”.

While some plans for art exhibitions had to be put on hold visitors will still be able to enjoy the island’s 104 acres of nature and wildlife, scenic island walking trails, over a dozen separate museums and exhibitions and children’s areas.  The cafe and gift shop will also be open daily and visitors are invited to bring or buy a picnic to enjoy one of the several picnic sites with stunning views of Cobh and Cork harbour.

The island will operate a number of safety measures including significantly reduced capacity, socially distanced queues, a one way visit system and face coverings for adults on the 10 minute ferry journey, as per government guidelines.  The islands spacious 104 acres and very large museums and galleries mean no face coverings are required on site and make it an ideal place for a visit during the restrictions.  The island attraction is open daily for July, August and September and weekends for October and November, with hopes to do After Dark tours from September and its popular Halloween events in October.