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Spike Island Tours

A visit to Spike Island is a journey through 1,300 years of Irish history, and a chance to explore our wild Irish nature. Departing from the scenic town of Cobh, your ticket gets you:

• The 10-minute return ferry journey across Cork harbour, one of the world’s largest natural harbours.
• A guided tour on arrival with one of our storytellers.
• Self-guided time after your tour to enjoy access to our fortress and prison—home to over a dozen museums, exhibitions and authentic centuries-old buildings, which showcase our rich past as a prison, fortress, and island home. See centuries-old prison cells, military emplacements and modern museum spaces, with lots for all ages to enjoy.
• Full access to our nature and walking trails—discover the 1.4 km glacis walk with stunning harbour views, or the 2.4 km ring of Spike, which is fully signposted and interpreted as it passes abandoned places like a village or convict cemetery.
• A map to explore our island’s walking trails and many interesting areas inside the fort (can also be downloaded from our website homepage).
• A map for children, and access to our brand new playground, to keep little ones entertained as they explore our fortress.
• A free to download augmented reality (AR) app for your phone, that offers historical reconstructions over real locations, designed to enhance your visiting experience.

Ticket options

• Adult (incl Ferry and Tour) Adult (incl Ferry and Tour) €26.95 + €1.00 booking fee 0 78 max
• Child (incl Ferry and Tour)(12 or under) Child (incl Ferry and Tour)(12 or under) €13.95 + €0.50 booking fee 0 78 max
• Family (incl Ferry and Tour) (2 Adults, 1-2 Kids 12 or under) Family (incl Ferry and Tour) (2 Adults, 1-2 Kids 12 or under) €65.95 + €1.95 booking fee 0 19 max
• Family (incl Ferry and Tour) (2 Adults, 3 Kids 12 or under) Family (incl Ferry and Tour) (2 Adults, 3 Kids 12 or under) €78.95 + €1.95 booking fee 0 15 max
• Student 18 years +(incl Ferry and Tour) ID REQUIRED Student 18 years +(incl Ferry and Tour) ID REQUIRED €21.95 + €1.00 booking fee 0 78 max
• Senior Citizen (65 & over)(incl Ferry and Tour) Senior Citizen (65 & over)(incl Ferry and Tour) €21.95 + €1.00 booking fee 0 78 max
• 2nd level Student (13 to 17 yrs) accompanied by an adult 18+ 2nd level Student (13 to 17 yrs) accompanied by an adult 18+ €16.95 + €0.75 booking fee 0 78 max
• Child Under 2 (incl Ferry and Tour) Child Under 2 (incl Ferry and Tour) €4.95 + €0.50 booking fee 0 78 max
• Regular Group Admission (Minimum 15+)) Regular Group Admission (Minimum 15+)) €23.95 0 78 max
• Senior Group Admission (Minimum 15+) Senior Group Admission (Minimum 15+) €19.95 0 78 max

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Visiting Spike Island: The Isolated Irish Prison Known As ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2023

A visit to Spike Island prison is arguably one of the most unique things to do in Cork .

And it’s easily one of the most popular things to do in Cobh (it’s up there with the  very  popular Titanic Experience).

If you’re not familiar with the story of Spike Island prison and if you’re visiting Cobh in 2024, you’re in for a treat-and-a-half.

In the guide below, you’ll find the history of Spike Island, info on the tour and where to visit nearby. Dive on in!

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about Spike Island in Cork

Photo by dleeming69 (shutterstock)

So, a visit to Spike Island prison is fairly straightforward – you need to grab a ticket and hop onto a little ferry that leaves from Cobh .

However, there are a handful of things worth knowing before you plan your visit (booking in advance is needed!).

1. Location

A short ferry ride from the gorgeous little fishing village of Cobh in County Cork lies a 103-acre island that has been used as a place of worship, defense, confinement and punishment.

2. Getting there

To get to Spike Island in Cork you’ll need to get a ferry from Kennedy Pier in Cobh. The ferry takes around 15 minutes each way and leaves several times each day.

There are several different ticket types for the Spike Island tours (more on the various tours below). Price wise, you’re looking at (note: prices may change):

• Adult: €26.95
• Child (12 or under): €13.95
• Family (2 Adults and 1 or 2 kids): €65.95
• Senior Citizen (65+): €21.95
• Student: €21.95

4. How long the Spike Island tours take

When you buy a ticket for one of the Spike Island tours, your journey over on the ferry is included. Your return ticket is for 3.5 hours later, so you should allow at least 4.5 hours for a visit.

About Spike Island prison

A short ferry ride from the gorgeous little fishing village of Cobh in County Cork lies a 103-acre island that has been used as a place of worship, defence, confinement and punishment.

Spike Island prison was originally the site of a monastic settlement, but for over 200 years it has been dominated by the star fort named ‘Fort Mitchel’.

In the last 1300 years, Spike Island has been host to a 6th-century Monastery, a 24-acre fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times and centuries of island dwellings.

The island’s vast and varied history has included monks and monasteries, rioters and redcoats, captains and convicts and sinners and saints.

At one point, the island was used to house convicts prior to penal transportation, and this is where the nickname of ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’ came from.

Spike Island history: The story behind Ireland’s Alcatraz

Via Spike Island on Facebook

One of the reason the Spike Island tours are so popular is thanks to Spike Island’s history… it’s  very  dark history.

According to reports, when Spike Island prison was the world’s largest prison in the 1850s, the treatment of convicts was nothing short of horrific.

The ‘Punishment Block’

A ‘Punishment Block’ was the only purpose-built cell block in the Fort, and it was built in response to the murder of Warder William Reddy in 1856.

It was made up of 28 solitary confinement cells and housed the most dangerous prisoners on the island.

Each prisoner was heavily chained and clothed in black from head to toe, with a veil hiding all but their eyes. In the blocks early years, the cells were furnished with only a stool, and prisoners slept on the floor.

Mass graves

There were several suicide attempts and the Punishment Block was the main reason that Spike Island was described as “Hell on earth” by many.

Mass graves, which litter the island, are the result of foul conditions and overcrowding during the worst of Ireland’s famine years.

Spike Island tours

There are 2 different Spike Island tours that you can head off on: the Regular Tour and the After Dark Tour.

The Regular Tour should suit those of you that are on a day-trip to Cobh while the After Dark Tour is a different kettle of fish altogether.

The Regular Tour

The first of the 2 Spike Island tours is the Regular Tour . Included in your ticket is a guided tour from where the ferry lets you off to the Fortress.

The guided tour lasts around 45 minutes and during this time a skilled storyteller will take you on a journey through Spike Islands history.

When the tour ends, you can explore the forts and the prison on your own.

The After Dark Tour

Those that embark upon the after-dark tour on Spike Island will be told the stories of several murders that took place on the island.

One of these murders was of nationalist Patrick White, who was killed during a spiteful act of revenge.

Another story tells of the brutal murder of a prison warder in the 1800s. This horrific killing was carried out by some of the many dangerous inhabitants that were imprisoned on Spike.

The tour also takes visitors along the mysterious underground tunnels and cells that are inaccessible during the day time tours.

Things to do near Spike Island

One of the beauties of Spike Island prison is that it’s a short spin away from a clatter of other attractions, both man-made and natural.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Spike Island in Cork (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Food in Cobh

Photo left: The Commodore Hotel. Photo right: Harbour Browns Steakhouse (Facebook)

When you arrive back from Spike, the chances are you’ll have worked up an appetite. Thankfully, there are some excellent restaurants in Cobh a short ramble aways from where you’re dropped off (there are also plenty of Cobh hotels if you want to spend the night).

2. Attractions within walking distance of the pier

Photo by Peter OToole (shutterstock)

There’s plenty of other things to do in Cobh when you finish up at Spike. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Titanic Experience Cobh , but there’s also St. Coleman’s Catheral , the Deck of Cards and much more.

3. Fota Wildlife Park

Photos via Fota Wildlife Park on Facebook

The brilliant Fota Wildlife Park is a stone’s throw from Cobh town centre (you’ll need to drive) and it’s a great spot if you’re after more unique Cork attractions .

FAQs about visiting Spike Island in Cork

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from the Spike Island tours to what to expect from a visit.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

How do you get to Spike Island?

You get to Spike Island via a ferry from Kennedy pier in the centre of Cobh. The ferry takes around 15 minutes each way and leaves several times each day.

Is Spike Island really worth visiting?

Yes! Spike Island in Cork is a fantastic little spot to escape to when visiting Cork. The history is dark and interesting and the reviews for the Spike Island tours are excellent.

Is there much to do nearby?

Yep! You’ve plenty to see in Cobh itself or you’re a short spin away from the likes of Fota and Cork City.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Myles Fitzmaurice

Friday 17th of June 2022

Looking forward to visiting Spike Island in early July, what is the best time to visit.

Sunday 8th of March 2020

Interesting, this dark part in the history of Ireland. No one has ever mentioned this before. Sort of scared the day lights out of me. But would certainly like to visit it the next time around when I get to Ireland.

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• Coastal escapes
• History and heritage

Used as an Island prison, fortress, monastery and home, today visitors can meet captains and convicts and sinners and saints as you uncover 1300 years of Irish history. It has prison cells, deep tunnels, island walks and multiple museums, explore the 'Irish Alcatraz' via a guided tour or using the free map and app. Access to the island is by ferry from Kennedy Pier in Cobh, go to www.spikeislandcork.ie for sailings and opening times.

The islands recorded history goes back to the 7th century when St Mochuda founded a monastery on this magical island. Monks walked the island trails for 300 years until the Vikings sailed into Cork harbour, and for many centuries the island was used by smugglers, pirates and as an island home.

In 1779 work began on a fortress and this would become the impressive 24 acre Fort Mitchel which crowns the island today. Able to garrison 3000 men and with guns that could fire a shell 12 miles, the fort was so important that Winston Churchill called Spike Island 'the sentinel tower of the defences of Western Europe'.

The fortress that was built to defend an empire became the largest prison in the world in the 1850's, as the famine raged in Ireland and people resorted to stealing food to survive. The prison opened in 1847 and soon held over 2300 inmates, and there has never been a larger prison in Ireland or Britain before or since. Conditions at 'Ireland's Alcatraz' were terrible and 1300 poor souls would never leave the island, buried now in mass graves with no headstone. Today visitors can explore the dark cells of the punishment block, Ireland's most notorious prison. You can walk the children's prison which held boys as young as 11, and sit in solitary cells.

The prison closed in 1883 and the fort was used by first the British and then the Irish military, as island social life continued for 2 centuries. A prison would return in 1985 and a riot that year forced the islanders to evacuate, ending centuries of island social life. The prison would continue until 2004 and today you can walk the modern cells. Hear stories of daring escapes, Irish rebels, Ireland's most notorious criminal and a dark past.

Today the island has several museums and exhibitions on the social, military, penal and monastic past, and there are stunning views as you complete the 'Ring of Spike', a 5km walking trail with interpreted signage. You can also visit the café and gift shop for a hard earned rest. With a free map and app on arrival and included guided tour with Ireland's best storytellers, it's your day, your way, at Fortress Spike Island.

Call +353 21 2373455 for tour bookings. Advance booking recommended.

Spike Island provides you the perfect vantage point to see Fort Camden and Roches Point, the last docking point of the Titanic.

Dare to take the After Dark Tour with gruesome tales and tunnel exploration, a truly unique experience.

We recommend planning to spend 3.5 to 4 hours here.

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Discover the historic Spike Island

Ireland's answer to Alcatraz – this unique island in Cobh, County Cork, has been a monastery, fortress and prison down through the centuries

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The wind is in your hair, the sea breeze is on your face, and you're gliding from pretty Cobh  across the glistening waters of Cork harbour to your destination: the legendary Spike Island!

Today, it may be a top attraction to visit in County Cork, but this one-off island has taken on many roles over the years. Its past is often dark but always intriguing. History buffs, nature lovers, and anyone who loves a good yarn, well told, are in for a treat.

So let's set sail, there are over 1,000 years of Irish history to explore...

Spike Island, Cobh, County Cork

An island steeped in history

The history of Spike Island began over 1,300 years ago, when St Mochuda founded an early Christian monastery at the site. Despite the island being ravaged by Vikings in the 9th century, there are reports of a monastic settlement lasting here until the 16th century. Today, visitors can follow in the footsteps of the monks by embarking on their daily pilgrimage on the outer island walking trail.

Spike Island first became an island prison during the mid 1600s, when thousands of prisoners were kept here during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. This identity stuck, and the island would again become a prison during the Great Famine in 1847. In fact, at this time it was the largest known prison in the world! One can explore the chilling Punishment Block and "dark cells" from this troubled time.

Even in modern times, Spike Island remained a prison, only closing its prison gates for the last time in 2004. Tours take you around modern prison cells , as well as the dubiously named "Shivs and Shanks" exhibition!

The iconic star-shaped Fort Mitchel that still stands strong to this day was built by the British army in the early 1800s. It's so big, you could fit the whole of Alcatraz Island inside it! Visitors can get up close and personal with the towering entrance walls, huge parade ground, as well as many buildings and tunnels. There's even a military Gun Park featuring tanks, cannons and artillery guns. A must for any military enthusiasts.

Beyond the island

As you can see, Spike Island makes for a great day trip in County Cork. But what else can you enjoy in the area?

In colourful Cobh, don't miss the Titanic Experience Cobh , which tells the story of the Titanic's last port of call before its ill-fated voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

St Colman's Cathedral dominates the skyline of this harbour town, and it's well worth a visit. It's the tallest church in Ireland with a grand interior that will take your breath away.

Further afield in County Cork, the world-famous Blarney Castle  (home to the Blarney Stone) is an unmissable highlight. As is the 18th century English Market in Cork city , a cornucopia of Irish culinary delights. Or you could venture into the natural beauty and wild charms of West Cork .

Need to know: Spike Island

Spike Island is reached by ferry from Kennedy pier in Cobh. The scenic journey across Cork harbour only takes 10-15 minutes.

Spike Island is open year round to visitors but the exact schedule varies by season. Typically, it's open daily during the summer and the rest of the year it's open weekends and school holidays.

Ticket prices vary but there are options available for adults, children, families, senior citizens, teenagers, babies and groups.

There are numerous tours you can choose from, including regular, after dark, behind the scenes, and eco-friendly options! You can also opt for a guided or a self-guided experience.

There are two gift shops on site, both selling unique Spike Island souvenirs. And there's also a cosy café that dishes out hot food and tasty treats!

County Cork highlights

Don't miss these things to see and do

English Market

Titanic Experience Cobh

Blarney Castle and Gardens

Fota Wildlife Park

Cobh Museum

Cobh Golf Club

Cork EcoTours

Cork Fab Food Trail

Ballymaloe Cookery School

Franciscan Well Brewery and Brew Pub

Accommodation

Clayton Hotel Cork City

Hayfield Manor Hotel

The English Market is an indoor food market, located in Cork City centre, offering a Victorian wonderland of exotic imported goods and delicious local produce.

The story of the Titanic has captured the hearts and minds of millions. From descendants of crew and passengers, to the just plain fascinated, the story has been re-told over and over from Belfast to Hollywood.

Visit medieval Blarney Castle in County Cork, one of Ireland’s most impressive castles. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone to get the gift of the gab, wander around unique rock formations and see the rare plants in the enchanting gardens.

Fota Wildlife Park is part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, and is set on 100 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour and is only 10KM from Cork City by rail or car.

Cobh Golf Club offers a wonderful golfing experience amidst the picturesque landscape of inner Cork Harbour. The golf course is magically nestled on 116 acres of maintained parkland and the course boasts panoramic vistas that are sure to delight golfers of all skill levels.

The Clayton Hotel Cork City, is a four-star City Centre Hotel, superbly located overlooking the River Lee and City Hall. The award winning hotel has 201 bedrooms and is just a 5 minute stroll from shopping and entertainment.

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Spike Island

• Cobh, Co. Cork
• +353858518818
• www.spikeislandcork.ie/
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In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 6th century Monastery, a 24 acre Fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times and centuries of island homes. The island's rich history has included monks and monasteries, rioters and redcoats, captains and convicts and sinners and saints.

Today the island is dominated by the 200 year old Fort Mitchel, the star shaped Fortress which became a prison holding over 2300 prisoners. Take the scenic ferry ride from Kennedy Pier, Cobh, and enjoy a fully guided tour of our island and fortress, and relax in our cafe and picnic areas. Get captured in the history and mystery of this magical heritage island.

Awarded 2017 Best European Tourist Attraction!

•    28.3 km from Cork Airport
•    16.8 km from Cork City centre

Explore Cobh

Places to stay, fota island lodges, knockeven house, fota island resort, the sardinian guesthouse, butlers tours of ireland, cobh heritage centre, cobh golf club, fota house, arboretum & gardens, cork harbour boat hire, fota island adventure, cobh rebel walking tours, titanic experience, hederman smoke house tour, butlers shore tours, sirius arts centre, cobh museum, fota wildlife park, st. colman's cathedral, cobh maritime building, titanic trail, the quays bar & restaurant, robin hill wine and tapas, titanic bar and grill.

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A Tour of Spike Island – What to Expect When Visiting

I’d never even heard of Spike Island two years ago, which can probably be forgiven as it is a fairly recent tourist attraction. However, once I did hear about it, it quickly became clear that this little island was something special.

Spike Island or Fortress Spike Island has quickly become a must-do experience for tourists from near and far and is sometimes referred to as “Ireland’s Alcatraz”. In the few short years it has been open to the public, it has won a number of awards including Europe’s leading tourist attraction 2017 at the World Travel Awards.

Intrigued? I certainly was. You only have to read the Tripadvisor reviews to see that it’s not just good marketing. People are genuinely raving about this little island located in Cork Harbour. When the only negative comments on Tripadvisor are that people didn’t have enough time on the island, you know it’s got to be worth a visit.

Well, there was only one way to find out what all the fuss was about! So earlier this month I got organised and made the trip out to Spike Island along with José and my parents too. I didn’t fancy waiting till next year and regular tours stop for winter at the end of this month (group tours of 15+ can still be booked during winter months).

Update: it seems the season has been extended this year and weekend tours will be running into November. Keep an eye on the Fortress Spike Island Facebook page for the most up to date info.

Getting to Fortress Spike Island

Tours to Spike Island leave from Kennedy Pier in Cobh and let’s be honest, any excuse to go to Cobh is a good one! Having said that my dad wasn’t too impressed with the idea of heading to Cobh in October. He was assuming the weather would be brutal. Yet the beauty of the Irish weather is that you never know what you’re going to get, at any time of year! We got lucky and blue skies and sunshine greeted us on the morning of our trip.

Stunning views of Cobh as the ferry departs.

When I booked online, there had been just two tours available at 12pm or 2pm but depending on demand more trips may be available. No doubt the result of the fine weather and the cruise ship in port, a number of additional tours were added the day were were going. From our accommodation near the pier, we watched the queues grow from early morning.

Despite the additional tours, we still had a bit of a delay heading off when it transpired that our trip had been overbooked. Thankfully all was sorted without tears and those left behind got to follow us over to the island on a rib, leaving everyone on the ferry jealous that they weren’t last to board!

We took the scenic route to Spike Island, circling Haulbowline Island, a naval base and headquarters of the Irish Naval Service. I thought it was all part of the tour but once we arrived on Spike Island we were informed that it depends on the tide. Due the fact there is a sandbar in the harbour between Spike Island and Cobh, it isn’t always possible to go directly across, in which case you must go around Haulbowline!

On the Island

On reaching Spike Island, we were met at the pier and given a quick briefing. It’s a quick 10-15 mins trip to get there so once on the island, you should have over 3 hours before the return trip. You have the option of doing your own thing and self-guiding for the entire time or taking a tour (lasting between 60-75 mins) first and then exploring on your own.

We chose to do the guided tour and we were very glad we did. Our guide John G (John is still a very popular name in Ireland, so the initial is required!) was really fun, informative and most importantly loud and clear, which meant my hard of hearing dad (also John!) was able to enjoy the tour too. 

View across the harbour back to Cobh as we walked up to the Fort.

We started the tour with a short uphill climb (transport is available, if needed) towards the 18th century star-shaped Fort Mitchel, stopping along the way to hear some of the history of the island and to catch our breath. The hills are actually man-made and while you might not appreciate that while you’re climbing, they were an important part of the defensive structure of the island and at least offer stunning views back towards Cobh now!

History of Spike Island

The island has a long and fascinating history. From 6th century Monastery to convict depot, to Fortress, to prison. You name it, Spike Island has seen it! As you can imagine there are many stories and many characters to learn about throughout your visit.

Due to it’s important strategic location, there has been a military presence on Spike Island for over two centuries. There have been three forts on the island and the third fort, which remains today, was built between 1804 and the 1860s. Originally called Fort Westmoreland, it is now named Fort Mitchel after John Mitchel, a nationalist hero who was imprisoned on Spike Island in the 1840s.

In 1847 Spike Island became a convict depot, with prisoners held here before being transported to Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) or Bermuda. By the early 1850s there were over 2,300 prisoners on Spike Island. This made it the largest convict prison in Britain and Ireland. Conditions were appalling with prisoners crammed into rooms and treatment was brutal. It was so bad that letters were sent from the colonies asking the guards to ease up. The men were arriving so broken in mind and spirit after Spike Island, that they were of little use when they got there.    

Most recently the island was used as a prison for young offenders between 1985 and 2004. My parents remembered it featuring on the news because of a riot in 1985, which resulted in international coverage. Details of the riot and old footage can be seen as you explore the buildings and the A Block, a large dormitory building which was burned down during the riot remains a ruin to this day. 

An old newspaper article and information panel about the 1985 riot on display.

What remains of the A Block after the 1985 riot.

Following the riot a number of the inmates (mainly imprisoned for joyriding, there were no serious offenders on the island) climbed onto the roof of one of the buildings and refused to come down. Our guide told us that the mother of one of the inmates got word of what was going and and made her way to Spike Island from Cork. She got hold of a megaphone and after 24hrs of protesting, it took her just a couple of minutes of yelling to get her son down. Once he did, the rest of the inmates followed not long after. Never underestimate the wrath of an Irish mammy! 

So much to see, so little time!

On the tour we got access inside Bastion 2 to see the 6 inch gun, which is now inside having been moved from it’s original exposed position on Bastion 3. It was the main coast defence gun on Spike Island but was never fired at an enemy. However, it was fired for testing and resulted in shattered windows on the mainland. The fact that nobody had been informed it would be happening, didn’t help matters either. Oops!

The 6″ Gun in No. 2 Bastion.

Another benefit of the tour is that the guide points out what you can see in each area, so you can decide what you really want to do after the tour.  Among other things you can visit the purpose built Punishment Block, the Artillery Gun Park, the Children’s Prison and the 1985 cells which were built after the riot. We headed off to see as much as we could!

The 1985 Cells.

We also took time to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views out to the mouth of the harbour from Bastion 3 and back towards Cobh from Bastion 6. There are also a number of walking trails, including one which covers the entire perimeter of the fort but unfortunately we just didn’t have time for it all. We didn’t stop for lunch either as we figured we could just eat back in Cobh but there is a large café on Spike Island with plenty of seating. There are snacks and pre-made sandwiches and wraps available, so you can grab something quickly if you’re hungry but want to keep going.

A cruise ship leaving the harbour.

The walkway around the perimeter of Fort Mitchel.

It really isn’t possible to experience everything on the island in just a few hour but in the future there might be the option to spend longer there. You may even be able to stay overnight eventually! Until then you can always go back for an after dark tour or the Spike Island Cinema Club. Scary movie, anyone?

This tiny island has played such a huge part in Irish history and visiting is definitely a fascinating experience. I guess it’s not a bad thing to leave people wanting more and trust me, a visit to Spike Island will definitely do that.

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Further Reading...

Dromore Wood Walking Trails & Nature Reserve

Garinish Island, Glengarriff

Tra na mBó – a hidden gem on the Copper Coast

Caroline Littleboy

Thanks so much for sharing this! My Mammy was born on Spike and met and married my Dad who was stationed there. I lived there on there until we moved to the main land Cobh. Love seeing pictures that bring so many memories.

Thanks for your lovely comment Caroline and I’m glad the pictures took you back. What an amazing place to have lived. Cobh too. So much history. I’ll be adding a post on Cobh soon so keep an eye out! Thanks, Kerry.

peppermintdolly

Wow I didn’t know this place existed at all – I went to Alcatraz when I visited my Sister in San Francisco – but I didn’t know we had our very own version so close to home, must check it out the next time I’m down that way! Thanks for sharing!

Rebecca | http://www.peppermintdolly.com

Thanks Rebecca. You definitely should check it out if you get the chance. It’s a fascinating place and well worth a visit. It still amazes me how often I come across places I haven’t heard of in Ireland. There is so much to see and do in this little country!

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Malahide castle and gardens - why you should visit, exploring inis oírr - the smallest of the aran islands, @allaroundireland.

• Spike Island, Cork

Spike Island, Cobh, Co. Cork is a 24-acre fortress built in a stunning harbor setting. In the world ranking of natural harbors, Cork Harbor is second only to Port Jackson in Sydney!

Spike Island has played an integral role within the fabric of Ireland’s rich cultural, social, political, religious and historic past over multiple centuries.  Scenically stunning, this is a vast, green island of 104 acres, with a vast history and story to match.

Spike Island Facts

• In today’s money, it would cost a billion Euro to build!
• Spike Island is 4 times larger than Alcatraz island and held 8 times as many prisoners!
• The largest ever prison in Ireland and Britain with 2300 inmates during the famine years.
• An island prison on 4 separate occasions, in the 1600’s, 1800’s, 1921 and 1985 to 2004.

Famous Visitors

• Queen Victoria sketched the island during a visit to Cobh in 1849 and a copy of the sketch is available to view on the island.
• Winston Churchill visited in 1911 as the then head of the Admiralty, inspecting this jewel in the British military.
• Irish President Eamon De Valera attended the island handover from Britain to Ireland in 1938.

Famous Residents

Learn the stories of the multiple residents who called Spike Island home over a 200-year period.  See and hear recorded interviews with former residents which bring island living to life, many of whom lived on the island as recently as the 1980’s.

The residents include “ Jack in the box ”, the famous Victorian thief -James Grey would hide in a especially rigged luggage trunk and post himself from Liverpool to Ireland, jumping out mid-journey to rob the other luggage on the train carriage, earning the nickname ‘Jack in the box’. His cleaver crimes baffled the train company for years as valuables went missing. Eventually, he was discovered by a housemate who spotted stolen goods. He served 4 years on Spike Island

Meet ‘ Little Nellie’ , the little Irish girl who might be Ireland’s next saint! Ellen Organ lived on the island in the early 1900’s, she displayed miraculous qualities by wanting to take Holy Communion at a young age. Hearing this story, the Pope lowered the age of Communion from age 12 to 7 for all Catholics. See Nellie’s house and a recreation of her room on Spike Island.

The Irish freedom fighters , who fought for Ireland, learn how freedom fighters from the 1600’s to 1921 were held here for their struggles. Hear the story of John Mitchel, the man who inspired the revolutionaries who freed island.

Discover the fate of the 1400 men held here in 1921, many simply lifted off the streets, for fighting a war of independence against an unbeatable Empire.

How to Get there -Spike Island is accessible to Visitors by taking a ferry (15 minutes) from Cobh, Co Cork.

In the company of a local Cork crew, the adventure begins from Kennedy Pier, amidst the multi-colored houses and shop fronts of the Victorian heritage town of Cobh.

From there, on a brief 15 minutes journey , the ferry weaves its way through work boats and ships on Cork harbor, surrounded by wildlife from seals to birds, as views of the island draw closer and closer.

Once on the island, visitors are treated to 360-degree views of silver-blue waters, open skies and rolling hills.

During an action-packed and immersive experience, visitors learn about this island’s varied past as a home, fortress and a prison at the heart of the second largest harbor in the world!

Learn about the diverse roles Spike Island has played as a 7th century monastic site, as a fortress during the periods of the Napoleonic and American revolutions and as a prison for master and petty criminals from Victorian times, until 2004.

Prepare to be intrigued by the true stories of real people who lived on this island for more than 200 years; from the navy, military, prison guards and their families, to the prisoners, whose thwarted lives are shared with both stark honesty and compassion.

Walk the beautiful outer Island nature trails. There are 80 acres outside the fortress of beautiful nature, grassland and walking trails. Choose from a 1.4km or 2.4 kms loop, each with information boards and incredible harbor views. Spot seals, birds, wildlife and abandoned villages as you explore.

Prices include ferry, guided tour, full island access and return ferry. Cafe and gift shop on site.

Tour Offerings:

Standard/General tour includes:

Transfer to/from Spike Island by Ferry including 1-hour optional guided visit with an experienced guide and extensive time to explore the island on a self-guided basis on the day of the visit.

Bespoke Private ‘behind the scenes’ tour with ‘Spike Island rum’ tasting. (Minimum of 4 People)

Back in the 1600’s Irish convicts were held on Spike Island before being sent to the Caribbean islands as punishment for their crimes.  The prison ships that carried them braved the pirate filled waters of the Caribbean Sea.  These Irish men and women missed the Irish whiskey they enjoyed back home but soon discovered a new favourite, the local Caribbean rum savoured by the local people.  400 years later the rum is going the other direction, sent back to Ireland to be hand spiced for several months in oak barrels.

The Spike Island Rum Tasting tour includes a premium private small number guided tour with an expert guide. Includes 1 hour 30-minute tour length plus self-explore time, 3.5 hours total; Access to areas off limits to the public and finish off with a taste of ‘Spike Island rum’, exclusive to the island.

A premium private guided tour with an expert guide to include; 1 hour guided tour experience with an expert guide. Finish off with a tasting of ‘Spike Island rum’, premium product with links to the former island convicts sent to Barbados.  Add another Irish drink like Irish whiskey or Bailey’s Irish cream on request and time to self-explore before exit.

After Dark Tour

Walk an abandoned prison, sit in a solitary cell.  Experience a place of Punishment, once called ‘Ireland’s hell’.  Hear the gruesome stories that cannot be shared on a day tour. See areas off limits to the public as visitors’ journey through 400 years of incarceration. Add a tasting of ‘Spike Island rum’ to this tour if you wish…….

Spike Island, a wonderful unique experience to add to your 2021 Emerald Isle tour….

Call us now to get working on your dream vacation………..

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1 Tourist Is Dead and 1 Injured After Ice Canyon Collapses in Iceland

Rescuers on Monday called off a search for what they initially believed were two other trapped tourists after it became clear that all the visitors were accounted for.

By Alexandra E. Petri and Ali Watkins

Rescuers in Iceland on Monday called off the search of a deadly ice canyon collapse after they determined that, contrary to initial reports, there were no other tourists trapped beneath the debris, the police said.

Dozens of rescue workers and law enforcement personnel had been combing the Breidamerkurjokull glacier after part of the narrow canyon collapsed on Sunday. Rescue workers had previously removed one seriously injured tourist and the body of another who was killed in the collapse.

“It has come to light that no one was hidden under the ice,” Logreglan a Sudurlandi, the local police force, said on Facebook .

One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and another was taken by helicopter to Landspitali, the National University Hospital of Iceland, and was in stable condition, the agency said late on Sunday.

The company leading the tour group had initially reported to the police that there were 25 people on the trip, which included a walk through glacial caves and canyons.

After sifting through all of the collapsed ice and reviewing the company’s books, investigators determined there were only 23 people with the group, and 21 were uninjured, the police said.

Scott Stevens, 49, of Austin, Texas, was exploring the glacier on a separate tour with his 10-year-old daughter right before the collapse. In the aftermath, he said, it was confusing as guides scrambled to figure out who might be missing and who was safe.

“None of us knew each other,” Mr. Stevens said. “We didn’t even speak each other’s languages.”

The tour group — which Mr. Stevens and his daughter joined in the parking lot for one of the island’s popular lagoon destinations — appeared to be a mix of people with previously booked tickets and others who had spontaneously joined from the parking lot, a dynamic that made things confusing after the collapse, Mr. Stevens said.

Because there was incomplete information, the police said, their only option was to continue searching through the precarious debris field to ensure all the tourists were accounted for.

Rescue workers had been using chain saws and ice picks to chip through the ice, as the environment was too delicate to use heavy machinery.

Emergency responders received a call about 3 p.m. local time that a group of tourists with a tour guide were exploring ice caves and canyons on the glacier, when the side of an ice canyon gave way, Jon Thor Viglundsson, a spokesman for ICE-SAR, a volunteer search-and-rescue association, said on Sunday.

Mr. Stevens, who was out of the canyon and in an elevated position above the crevasse at the time of the collapse, said he heard a loud boom, and could see guides tending to a seriously injured tourist.

“It was very surreal,” Mr. Stevens said. Not long after, a tour guide gathered Mr. Stevens’ group together and said there had been a collapse, that people were injured and buried, and that one man was dead.

The glacier is part of Vatnajokull National Park, one of Europe’s largest, spread across nearly 5,460 square miles.

It was unclear on Sunday evening what tour company organized the expedition or how many guides were on the trip.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey , Breidamerkurjokull is an outlet glacier that extends from Vatnajokull, Iceland’s largest glacier, into the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon .

Breidamerkurjokull is famous for its ice caves. The best time to visit is in winter, according to Adventures.is, an Icelandic tour operator.

Visir, an Icelandic news outlet, reported that tourism companies that have signed a contract with the national park are authorized to organize ice cave trips and glacier walks year-round, and that the park “trusts companies to assess the conditions.”

Amanda Holpuch contributed reporting.

Ali Watkins covers international news and is based in London. More about Ali Watkins

Twilight Tours

The spike island after dark series presents twilight tours.

Embark on a mesmerising adventure through history with our new Twilight Tours at Spike Island this summer. As day turns to dusk, this access all areas tour will take you to areas of the island usually off limits to the public where our tour guides will share the harrowing history and gripping stories of some of Ireland’s most notorious inmates and daring escapes.

Walk in the footsteps of generations past as our expert guides bring our history to life with fascinating stories, immersing you in the island’s rich and turbulent past – from its days as a monastic settlement to its role as a fortress and a prison. Witness breathtaking panoramic views as darkness falls over Cork Harbour and let your imagination soar as you envision what life was like for the inhabitants of the formidable walls of Spike Island.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a thrill seeker, or simply looking for a unique experience, our Twilight Tours at Spike Island are guaranteed to leave you captivated and allow you to experience our historic island in a new light. Explore an abandoned prison and eerie tunnels, sit in a solitary cell, and hear tales of crimes, punishments and escapes at Ireland’s Alcatraz.

To ensure an intimate and personal experience, our Twilight Tours have limited availability and advance booking is advised to secure your place. Join us for an evening of mystery this summer and learn about the dark history that haunts our beautiful island under the enchanting twilight sky.