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 ...

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....

1 week 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.

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

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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).

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

A remote monastery in the Celtic Sea, a fortress built to defend an empire, an island prison that held a nation, centuries of Irish social life… · Discover 1300 years of Irish history at Spike Island Cork, the island where Ireland remembers.

Spike Island, Cobh, County Cork, Irish heritage, Irish history, military history, Irish historical sites, Irish seabirds, places to visit in Cork

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 ...

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.

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.

August 14, 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. ... Saint Mochuda founded the Spike Island monastery in 635ad, one that likely survived for many centuries.

August 14, 2025 - Nestled in the heart of Cork Harbour, Spike Island is best known as Ireland’s infamous prison island and holds a rich and varied history that spans centuries. From guided tours to immersive exhibitions that bring its storied past to life, there’s something for everyone at Spike Island.

April 23, 2024 - Spike Island is important to Irish history. It was a monastery in 700 A.C.E., a British fort in the 1700’s and early 1800’s, and a prison up until 2004. Many people (especially in Europe) say that Alcatraz is the Spike Island in the U.S. Spike Island definitely gave off that vibe.