Fireworks to light up Cork Harbour tonight for huge Spike Island birthday bash

The biggest firework show to ever take place in Cork will light up the sky over the harbour tonight as Spike Island celebrates its 86th birthday.

Around 1,300 fireworks will be let off from Spike Island tonight for the annual Family Fun Evening and Fireworks Display, commemorating the handover of Spike Island from Britain to Ireland in 1938.

The hundreds of illuminating fireworks symbolise inmates who tragically lost their lives during Spike Island’s history as a prison – a special tribute and a poignant reminder of the island’s past.

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The fireworks will be let off after dark – approximately after 10.30 pm tonight. And the weather forecast suggests it will stay dry for the event, with the temperature hanging around 12-14 degrees up until around midnight.

While tickets to Spike Island tonight are sold out, the explosive display will be visible from all across Cork Harbour with plenty of good vantage points to watch the show for free.

Cobh in particular always gets a great view of the sparkling display, and you should be able to watch the show from all around the harbour including particularly good viewing points at Gobby Beach, Lough Beg, Whitegate and Camden Fort in Crosshaven.

Those who were lucky enough to nab tickets to the Independence Celebration on the island will be treated to family fun including pop-up musical performances, face painting and the best view of the fireworks. Boats to Spike Island will begin departing Cobh from after 5 pm and return boats will commence at 11 pm, departing every 10 minutes.

The official handover of Spike Island took place on 11 July 1938 after 59 years of continuous occupation by the British Military. The ceremony was attended by then Taoiseach Éamon de Valera and was witnessed from Cobh by tens of thousands of people as the Tricolour was raised for the first time.