March 22, 2022 - Discover the tales of heroes and villains at Ireland’s infamous prison island. Prepare to be transported back in time as you navigate through centuries of Irish history. Located in the heart of Cork Harbour, Spike Island holds a significant place in Irish history, having served as a military ...

2 weeks ago - Spike Island in Cobh, County Cork, has been many things down through the centuries. From monastery and prison to fortress and island home, uncover this historic marvel.

December 17, 2025 - Spike Island (Irish: Inis Píc) is an island of 103 acres (42 ha) in Cork Harbour, Ireland. Originally the site of a monastic settlement, the island is dominated by an 18th-century bastion fort now named Fort Mitchel. The island's strategic location within the harbour meant it was used at times ...

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.

Discover Ireland's Captains & Convicts and Sinners and Saints at Spike Island Cork, Ireland's historic island. Voted Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction of 2017! The Island is located off the coast of Cobh in Cork harbour & has over 1300 years ...

In the last 1300 years Spike island has been home to rioters and redcoats, captains and convicts, monks and monasteries and sinners and saints. Its beautiful 104 acres have housed an Island Monastery, Fortress, Prison and Homes and today the island can be reached by a short and scenic ferry ...

Spike Island, Ireland's Alcatraz, is located at the mouth of the large natural harbour at Cork. Originally a Napoleonic era fortress, it was converted to a convict prison in 1847, the worst year of the Great Famine (1845-1852).

May 31, 2022 - On Spike Island you can enjoy two scenic walking trails, dotted with pretty houses, abandoned villages and convict cemeteries. While in the original 1804 fortress that crowns the island, over a dozen authentic buildings tell our story. Discover; – The 1850’s punishment block – The Modern ...

February 7, 2024 - Your ticket includes the return ferry journey to and from the island, a guided tour with one of our expert storytellers, a free visitor’s guide, and time to explore our 104-acre island. ... Spike Island is open to pre-booked groups all year round. Groups of 15 people or more enjoy a 15% discount per ticket.

November 14, 2024 - Located along Ireland’s southern coast, Cork Harbor is perpetually bustling with activity. Pleasure yachts, cruise ships, tour boats, even Irish naval vessels, crisscross its waters.

June 27, 2023 - Spike Island has a total area of 104 acres which is topped by the 24-acre Fort Mitchel. The area surrounding the Fort is known as the glacis, which is French for slope, and its steep and steady climb with no cover made it very difficult for ...

February 8, 2025 - Spike Island offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's history. Located close to the beautiful town of Cobh, Co. Cork, all it takes is a short ferry ride to start uncovering the island's dark and varied past.

The tour takes 3.5 hours in total including a 45-minute island induction from the trained storytellers and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, so give yourself at least four hours for this gem. There are two tours available. The family-friendly daytime tours allow you to explore what was once the world’s largest prison, view the tiny cottages that have arguably some of the most beautiful views in Ireland and learn about the fascinating military and penal history of the island.

Spike Island An historically significant 41 hectares in Cork Harbour · And while it’s a relatively small island lying at the entrance to Cork Harbour, it has a big history.

July 10, 2025 - Spike Island off the coast of Cobh in Cork harbour has over 1300 years of Irish history. From the Island Monastery and Fortress to the World's largest Prison in the 1850's and centuries of isl

March 19, 2018 - Spike Island fort and prison. ... The former fort and notorious prison in Cork harbour, once known as ‘Hell on Earth’, has become an award-winning attraction

Discover the tales of heroes and villains at Ireland's infamous prison island, Spike Island.

September 5, 2025 - Besides the most-visited locations, ... train journey south of Dublin. Spike Island is a remote escape featuring coastal views, ancient strongholds, and an infamous prison....

October 11, 2025 - Spike Island is just a short ride from the picturesque little fishing village of Cobh in County Cork. A historic area that encompasses 103 acres, the island has been a monastic settlement, as well as a prison.