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 ...

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 ...

March 24, 2026 - 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.

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 ...

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.

March 10, 2026 - 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.

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

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.

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 ...

10K Followers, 796 Following, 1,039 Posts - Spike Island (@spikeislandcork) on Instagram: "Discover the tales of heroes & villains at Ireland's infamous prison island. One of Ireland's leading visitor attractions. #SpikeIslandCork"

Located in the heart of Cork Harbour and once the largest prison in the Ireland and the UK, today Spike Island is one of Ireland's leading visitor attractions. Visit spikeislandcork.ie find out more and to book tickets.

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

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).

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.

September 13, 2024 - The National Archives holds a vast collection of records that can provide valuable insights for family researchers. Here, you can discover more about our family history resources, how to prepare for your research and take advantage of our free genealogy services. ... The National Archives of Ireland provides access to Ireland’s public records for researchers worldwide.

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 island homes.

September 4, 2025 - Spike Island, a 104-acre island in Cork Harbour near Cobh, County Cork, is a multi-award-winning heritage attraction, often dubbed “Ireland’s Alcatraz” for its storied past as a monastery, fortress, and the world’s largest prison in ...

April 15, 2025 - Today the island is dominated by the 200 year old Fort Mitchel, the star shaped Fortress which became a prison holding over 2300 prisoners. It was the largest prison in the world at the time and there has never been a larger prison in Ireland or Britain before or since. Discover more about our rich history and colourful characters here. Spike Island is reached by ferry from Kennedy pier, Cobh.

August 22, 2013 - Spike Island (irisch: Inis Píc) ist eine 103 Hektar große Insel am Eingang der Bucht von Cork im County Cork, im Südwesten der Republik Irland. Ursprünglich wurde die Insel als Kloster genutzt.