Countdown to the Open Weekend – Focus on Spike Island

See the 6" gun overlooking the entrance to Cork Harbour from Spike Island.

To celebrate Cork Harbour Open Weekend, Cork County Council is offering a family day out on Spike Island on both Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th. This is an opportunity to explore the historical fort, picnic in the grounds with the family and walk the recently completed 1.6km Walking Trail developed along the perimeter of Fort Mitchell with stunning views over Cork Harbour. The official opening of the trail takes place on Saturday at 3.30PM and will be performed in the presence of Simon Coveney, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine, and Cllr. Barbra Murray, Cork County Mayor. You will also get a chance to view the cell blocks and see the magnificent Gun Emplacement overlooking the wonderful entrance to Cork Harbour. Military exhibitions will also be on display. Enjoy the live music while the children are entertained by performers and face painters or have a coffee in the Coffee Shop. See below for a full entertainment line-up. Boats to Spike Island will leave Kennedy Pier, Cobh from 11.00am -4.00pm. Return trips from Spike Island back to Cobh will run until 6.00pm. Tickets for boats and entrance to the fort are priced at €5 per adult and €15 per family and will be available at the Marine Transport Kiosk, Kennedy Pier. If you would prefer to be shown around Spike by a guide, Spike Island Tours are offering half price tours to the island with ferries leaving from Kennedy Pier in Cobh at 1PM, 2PM and 4PM on Saturday, and 2PM and 3PM on Sunday. Tickets are available on Kennedy Pier, Cobh. Entertainment Saturday 15th September: 13.00 – 17.00 Face painting 13.00 – 17.00 Pirate Actress entertaining children 13.00 – 15.00 Balloon Modelling 13.00 – 1500 Ace Wild – Live Music 15.00 – 17.00 Puppeteering 15.00 – 1700 Cobh Blues Band (Please note times may be adjusted to suit visitor numbers)  Entertainment Sunday 16th September: : 13.00 – 17.00 Face painting 13.00 – 17.00 Pirate Actress entertaining children 13.00 – 15.00 Balloon Modelling 13.00 – 1500 Cookie – Live Music 15.00 – 17.00 Puppeteering 15.00 – 1700 Jericho – Live Music (Please note times may be adjusted to suit visitor numbers)  http://www.corkharbour.ie/pages/newsDisplay.php?id=208