Fort Camden (Meagher) open to the public this summer

Fort Camden (Meagher) is positioned on Rams Head above the harbour village of Crosshaven. It is recognised internationally to be one of the world’s finest remaining examples of a classical Coastal Artillery Fort. The fort opened it’s doors to the general public last year, due in no small part to the efforts of Rescue Camden, a voluntary community committee with a passion for the restoration of one of the finest examples of Cork Harbour’s rich architectural heritage. It proved to be a wonderful success with over 3000 visitors passing through its doors. 

This year the fort is again open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays between 12 and 5, and includes a self-guide tour through one of the tunnels and around the fort. There is a military memorabilia exhibition from the Irish Defence Forces in the restored billet rooms. So far this year there have been military re-enactments from the American Airbourne 101 parachute regiment and artistic installations by artists Julia Palone and Roseanne Lynch. Further events are planned throughout August and September. A visit to Fort Camden will not disappoint. 

Rescue Camden website 

Live on Spike 2011 - August 7th Cancelled - New date TBC

Live On Spike has fallen victim to the Irish 'Summer' and has had to be re-scheduled for early September. The weather forecast for Sunday is for heavy rain and we don't want to take a chance on it being uncomfortable for everybody. All the performers are onboard & the new date will be finalised early next week.

Any tickets that have already been bought will be valid for the new date. Apologies for any inconvenience & please spread the word. 

Check http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=126 for more

Cork Harbour Open Day 2011 - Call for Events

Cork Harbour Open Day will take place on Saturday 10th September 2011. 

Aimed at embracing what Cork Harbour has to offer, Cork Harbour Open Day seeks to raise awareness of the different free activities and events available for families in the harbour both on and off the water. 

If you would like to be involved in Cork Harbour Open Day or organise an event on the day, please contact Sara Mackeown at harbourevents@corkharbour.ie or 021-4625375. All events organised will be promoted on the lead up to the day via PR, advertising and social media. Last year a lot of promotion was done through the website www.corkharbour.ie and this year we aim to do the same. 

Please see event application attached. Everyone is encouraged to take part and we look forward to hearing from you. 


Download the application form here 


See this article on the Cork Harbour website

Summer 2011 on Spike Island

A series of events has been initiated by Cork County Council to run on Spike Island from July to September this year. People will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent and historical Spike Island and enjoy the fabulous entertainment that is provided. Transport is by boat and tickets are limited so make sure to get in early to avoid disappointment. 

24th July – Damhsafest * 
Folk dance groups from some of the most diverse cultures throughout Europe and the world running from 3 pm until 5pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the entertainment. Boats leave Kennedy Pier in Cobh from 12 pm to 2pm and return from 5pm. 

7th August - ‘Live on Spike’ * 
Featuring Music from The Frank and Walters, Ken Cotter and Mark Slade and other well-known Cork Artists. Bring a Picnic. Boats leave Kennedy Pier in Cobh at 11.30am until 1.30pm and return from 5.30pm. 

20th & 21st August - The Pards 
This military reenactment group is back with reinforcements and again will be part of The Spike Island Walking Tours. The Spike Island Walking Tours leave Kennedy Pier in Cobh Saturday and Sunday 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Bookings can be made at the kiosk on Kennedy Pier in Cobh and in the Cobh Heritage Centre. 

10th September - Cork Harbour Open Day * 
A family day out on Spike Island to mark the beginning of ‘DISCOVER SPIKE ISLAND WEEK’. Entertainment will be available for the whole family including performances from some of Corks best musicians. Boats leave Kennedy Pier in Cobh at 11am until 2pm and return from 5pm. 

* Boat trips for the free events are €10 per adult and €5 per child, or a family ticket is €25. Tickets available from the Kiosk on Kennedy Pier in Cobh or Cobh Heritage Centre – The Queenstown Story. The Spike Island Walking Tours are not included in these prices. 



Cork Harbour website article


Download the flier for these events

Visit the Spike Island website

New Cork Docklands Report

A new report on the Docklands development is to be prepared for Cork County Council to help position and brand the project. The report will suggest economic sectors that might locate in the new development and quantify the number of jobs that might be created.
It is felt at this stage that the Docklands project needs a clear focus and needs to be placed in a national context within the wider gateway city development plan. 

Cork Harbour Angling Festivals

The 45th Cobh International Deep Sea Angling Festival and the Martin O' Brien Small Boat Festival are both taking place in Cobh this summer. 

Entries are now being taken for this year’s International Deep Sea Angling Festival. It is taking place this year from Monday 5th September through to Friday 9th September 2011. The cost of entry has been kept the same as for 2010 and at €325 for seniors, is great value. The range of prizes is superb with the prize fund valued at €7,500 of which €2,000 is in cash. First prize includes €1,000 in cash. 
There will be events held in various pubs and restaurants on a nightly basis, including bands, music, and traditional nights that keep all anglers well entertained. 

The Martin O' Brien Small Boat Festival is a two day small boat festival that will be fished over the last weekend in July (Sat 30th July & Sun 31st July). Fishing will be from 9:30am to 5:30pm each day and is organised by Rosie’s Sea Angling Club of Lower Aghada, Midleton, Cork. 

Click here for more 

Get on the water in Cork Harbour This Summer

There has never been a better time to get on the water in Cork Harbour. Three recent additions to the Harbour Tourism arsenal spring immediately to mind. 

Firstly, Michael Martin’s hugely successful guided walking tours of Spike Island will operate on a daily basis from Monday, 27th June, departing at 2 p.m. from Kennedy Pier, Cobh This is a new arrangement in addition to the current weekend tours on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. The Spike Island guided walking tours commenced last summer and Michael Martin has bought this new heritage attraction to the fore of Trip Advisor in a very short time. It now ranks 2nd of 64 attractions in Cork. 
Spike Island Walking Tours 

Secondly, Cork Harbour Sight Seeing tours is a new venture operating in Cork Harbour. They offer a tour on board the ‘Spirit of the Isles’ ferry departing from Penrose Quay in the city and destined for Kennedy Pier in Cobh. Each trip takes just over an hour, and is accompanied by a full narration from the crew. Expect local humour and plenty of historical and ecological observations. Tickets are extremely good value at only €9.99 per adult. The ‘Spirit of the Isles’ can be chartered if you want to tailor your own trip. 
Cork Harbour Cruises 

Finally for those who enjoy a faster pace of life, there is Cork Sea Safari Tours. They operate fun and informative harbour tours under the headings of ‘Grand Harbour Adventure’, ‘Dolphin Discovery’, ‘Kinsale by Sea Safari’, and the ‘BBQ’, which combines two great Cork passions- being on the water and food! Tours last between 2 and 4 hours and are guaranteed to set the pulse racing. Tours depart daily from Lapps Quay in Cork City. Sea Safari’s boats are also available for corporate events and private charter. 
Cork Sea Safari Tours 

Funding made available for remedial work to harbour piers and slipways

Cork City and County Councils have been awarded nearly €500,000 by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Slipway and structural repairs in the harbour area will be made in Crosshaven, Passage West and Monkstown. €112,500 has been made available for remediation works to Blackrock Harbour. Minister Simon Coveney TD said “Many of these projects are needed from a safety perspective and have been waiting years for funding approval. Our coastal areas in Cork are a wonderful amenity that we must look after and protect.” 

Mr Coveney added “ Even though funding for any project is difficult to come by at the moment, I believe investment in these works are extremely important for coastal communities.” 

All these upgrade and repair works must be completed by the end of the year and taken in conjunction with the entire national programme, will create 700 man weeks of employment.