Spike Island
“The island fortress built to defend an empire that became the largest prison in the world.”
Located in Cork Harbour and just a 15 minute ferry ride from Cobh harbour, this former monastery, fortress , prison and home is steeped in more than 1300 years of history. The story of Spike Island is the story of Ireland.
According to the earliest known recorded history of the island, a monastery was founded here in the 7th century. Monks would walk the island for some 300 years until Vikings arrived in Cork Harbour. It then became a smugglers and pirate hotspot!
Work on a fortress began in 1779, and the iconic 24 acre, star-shaped Fort Mitchel was built which was able to house 3000 men.
By the 1850’s it was the largest prison in the world and housed up to 2300 inmates, crammed into the cells, as the famine raged through Ireland, forcing many starving people to resort to stealing food. Thousands of prisoners were also transported from Spike Island to Australia and the Americas.
Conditions inside the prison were so awful it earned the name “Ireland’s Alcatraz”. The prison eventually closed in 1883 and the fort was then used by the British and later, by the Irish military. It became a prison once again in 1985 and lasted until 2004.
Whilst there, visitors can take an optional guided tour or wander the cells and hear stories of the islands dark but fascinating past. Pay a visit to one of several museums and exhibitions showcasing the islands history or take the 5km ‘Ring of Spike’ walking trail and walk and enjoy the incredible views, and finish your visit to the island with a relaxing tea or coffee in the café and a visit to the giftshop before returning to the mainland.
Other activities available include a children’s fairy house hunt, an archaeology dig, a cinema club , after dark tours and even paranormal investigations!
A trip to Spike Island is a truly fascinating and memorable experience.
Spike Island is reached by ferry only from Kennedy Pier, Cobh and advanced online booking is strongly recommended.
Email admin@spikeislandcork.ie for details or visit the website at www.spikeislandcork.ie for full details.