My Spike Island Tour Review – Anne Moroney

On the Bank Holiday Monday I finally got around to taking the tour of Spike Island. It was a cold & windy day but in spite of this there were approximately 40 people who braved the elements. It began with purchasing the ticket from the Marine Transport Office where Liam McGrath was very cheerfully greeting & encouraging people to take the trip. While I was waiting to purchase my tickets I didn’t see any defaulters so well done Liam. Next it was to boarding the launch, which I am always a bit nervous about, but again the Marine Transport staff where there to help in a very courteous manner. On board I noted that there were some local Cobhites, some from, Kerry, West Cork, India, England to mention the few I could detect.

We took off at 2.15 & took a nice tour around by Haulbowline whilst getting fabulous views of our beautiful town. We arrived on the island at approx 2.30. Michael Martin was on the pier to greet us with his cheerfulness & we soon forgot the cold due to his warm personality. Health & Safety issues out of the way, Michael went straight into his rendition of the history which surrounds Spike Island which made very interesting & touching information for the visitors. Some of these visitors were back on the Island, having lived there at some stage, some were there because their fathers worked there, some because their ancestors had been detained there at some stage and some were there, like me, just for the tour. Michael Martin extracted this information from people in the course of his talk which gave a very personal touch to the tour. Combined with his expertise and depth of knowledge of the history of the Island, he actually managed to paint an imaginary picture for us of what it looked like back in the early days on Spike.

Michael walked us up the little roadway stopping here & there on the way to talk out various points of interest which I am not going to talk about as it would just spoil the tour for those whom have not yet taken it. At the top of the hill we got to see the fort which was used for many reasons during its time. We also got to see the big gun which is pointed towards the mouth of the harbour and again a must see for young & old. Whilst Michael was cheerfully talking & explaining at all times, I got the feeling that he actually never has enough time to get it all out, such is the depth of his knowledge & research.

Of course we had to stick with the tour at all times but one could clearly see the potential that lies there. Michael is obviously very excited about this & one can almost see the Island as a place one could actually spend a whole exploration day on. Hopefully, this will not take too long to happen & which, I suppose, we the people of Cobh should be more vocal about.

We arrived safely back on shore at 5.00, all tired but happy! Well done to all concerned & all the very best with this exciting venture.

Anne Moroney