The Aud: "Special, Secret and Dangerous Mission"

The Aud: “special, secret and dangerous mission” is a new two-room exhibition at Spike Island, Cork Harbour, marking 110 years since the 1916 Aud mission and its connection to the Easter Rising.

Developed by the Spike Island Curatorial Team, the exhibition explores the remarkable story of the SS Libau, a German vessel disguised as the Aud, which was involved in a secret arms mission linked to the Irish revolutionary movement in 1916. Through new research, personal stories, archival material, artefacts, film and photography, the exhibition brings together different perspectives on this significant moment in Irish history.

The project has also been enriched by contributions from members of the public and Spike Island volunteers, adding valuable knowledge to the theme.

The exhibition also explores the underwater story of the Aud through photography and archaeological survey, highlighting the wreck’s place within the rich maritime heritage of Cork Harbour.

Presented across two gallery spaces, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on a story of secrecy and connection, while discovering how the legacy of a single vessel continues to resonate over a century later.

This project is supported by Cork County Council and the Heritage Council under the County Heritage Plan Funding 2026

https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/the-aud/

The event is free to attend and is included in the standard admission price to Spike Island.