Spike Island

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Samantha E

SPIKE ISLAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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  • (1.90 km) Cuppacity Coffee
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  • (2.56 km) Ellen's Kitchen

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JetsetPaul

Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

The Irish Road Trip

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

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 31, 2023

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

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

spike island prison

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

spike island tour

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

spike island cobh

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

Cobh restaurants guide

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

cobh cathedral

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

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.

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Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 34 years and has spent most of the last 10 years 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.

Spike Island Adventure

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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.

View of Cobh from Spike Island Co Corkwebsize2500x1200px

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 .

Spike island response image new

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

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English Market

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Titanic Experience Cobh

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Blarney Castle and Gardens

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Fota Wildlife Park

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Cobh Museum

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Cobh Golf Club

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Cork EcoTours

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Cork Fab Food Trail

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Ballymaloe Cookery School

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Franciscan Well Brewery and Brew Pub

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Accommodation

Clayton Hotel Cork City

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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.

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 opened for full play in June 2009. The course is set in 116 acres of parkland with panoramic views over the inner Cork harbour.

An educational wildlife watching experience in Cork Harbour, West Cork and East Cork, with detailed knowledge on the mammals, plants and wildlife you encounter and on ecological conservation. Customised tours from their base in Cork City.

The Cork Fab Food Trail is a relaxed but highly focused 2.5 - 3 hour food stroll through Cork City with an experienced local guide.

Located in a 40 hectare organic farm in Shanagarry, County Cork, this world famous cookery school offers over 60 courses ranging from one day, all the way to five day residential practical courses and 12 week intensive certificate courses.

Enjoy the ultimate craft beer experience at the legendary Franciscan Well Brewery and Brew Pub, in Cork City. There are brewery tours, storytelling, traditional music and woodfired pizza. They have a cocktail bar and outdoor beer garden. They also host their own beer festivals.

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.

The 5 star Hayfield Manor Hotel is set within beautiful secluded walled gardens, a short stroll from Cork City. Family owned and managed, Hayfield Manor offers guests true Irish hospitality.

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TOURS (Cobh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Spike Island

Spike Island

Spike Island: The island with many histories. From a 6th century monastery, to a fortress, to a prison. Today: An award winning must-see tourist attraction.

This is Ireland's Alcatraz. It is an island of 42 hectares (103 acres). Its largest structure is Fort Mitchel , a 200 year old prison fortress, which once held over 2300 prisoners. The prison closed in 2004.

History of Spike Island

Before its use as a prison, it served as a military fortress (since the early 17th century). During the 18th century it defended against possible attacks from France and Spain. The site still retains some heavy artillary guns on display for visitors to see.

Although the Irish Free State was founded in December 1922 following the Irish War of Independence and subsequent Anglo-Irish Treaty, Spike Island was retained by the British (under the Treaty Ports provision). Thus, the Royal Navy still occupied Spike Island. It was not until July 1938 that soverenty was ceded to Ireland.

Following the handover to Ireland, Spike Island was used as a military base for the Irish Army, the FCA (army reserves) and the Navy.

In the later part of the 20th century, it served as the location of a youth correctional facility.

In 2009 ownership was transferred to Cork County Council so that it could be developed as a tourist attraction, and in 2015, tours from Cobh commenced.

Visiting Spike Island

Spike Island was named Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in September 2017, so if you are visiting Ireland, be sure to add a Spike Island tour to your agenda.

Visits to Spike Island typically last about 3½ hours. The ticket price includes the ferry there (and back!) 15 minutes each way, a one hour guided tour followed by time to explore on your own and use the café.

Spike Island is located in Cork Harbour, and is accessed by ferry from Cobh at the Kennedy pier. Cars may park free of charge at the Cobh Heritage Center and at Cobh Cathedral. Cobh is located 23 km south east of Cork city and is accessible by car and train. Click the map pin icon to view the location on a map.

For more information about Spike Island, the tours available, to book a ticket online (recommended) and to see the ferry times, click the "More info" button.

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Spike Island: the Irish ‘Alcatraz’ and the growth of dark tourism

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Reader in Modern Irish History, Liverpool John Moores University

Disclosure statement

I was the historical consultant for the development of Phase I of Fortress Spike Island. However, as the project is complete, I am no longer working on this project so don't have any vested interest in Spike Island

Liverpool John Moores University provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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Spike Island – the former fortress and prison off the coast of County Cork in Ireland – has been named Europe’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards. The island beat off competition from Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower and Rome’s Colosseum to win what is described as the “Oscars” of the travel industry. It is a win for the community and also a win for so called “dark tourism”, whereby travellers seek something a tad more macabre than the traditional trip to the seaside.

There is no doubt Spike Island has a fascinating history. Situated in Cork Harbour , one of the largest natural harbours in the world, it has been home to a monastic settlement, a military fortress and a prison. Since the fortress reopened to visitors in June 2016, it has become a popular tourist destination, attracting over 45,000 visitors this year.

Visitors travel by boat from the town of Cobh to the island where they can explore the star-shaped fort which was home to thousands of soldiers and prisoners from the late 18th-century until 2004. There they learn about the history of the island , from its place as a home to early Christian monks, through the key strategic role it played during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Era, to its reincarnation as an island prison in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

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The growth of ‘dark tourism’

Spike Island is one of a growing number of attractions in Ireland that can be called “dark tourism” sites. Dark tourism is closely associated with death, suffering and the macabre. The concept is far from new – Madame Tussaud became famous in Paris during the French Revolution when she cast waxwork death masks of the guillotined and by the 1830s she was exhibiting waxworks of murderers in London.

Sites associated with death and suffering have long been commercialised. In my book, Blood Runs Green , I wrote about the public fascination with death, and particularly brutal death, in Gilded Age America . In Chicago in 1889, thousands of “dark tourists” paid a dime to visit the house where a man had been bludgeoned to death and a further dime to take away souvenir shards of blood-stained wood (no one seemed to notice that far more splinters of wood were sold than had been necessary to build the house).

Academic studies of “dark tourism” have tended to focus on sites associated with the holocaust – particularly concentration camps such as Auschwitz. But some research has been conducted on prison islands, notably Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, which was home to Nelson Mandela for 18 of his 27 years in prison.

Other studies looked at Alcatraz , the famous prison island in San Francisco Bay. Both sites have key dominant stories – the image of Alcatraz is dominated by Hollywood visions of the island prison, while Robben Island is most closely associated with the political prisoners of the apartheid regime. Both sites make efforts to expand the visitor experience beyond these narrow histories, but with limited success in the public perception.

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Responsible tourism

Part of my role as the historical advisor for the Spike Island Project was to consider issues associated with representing incarceration, punishment and execution. History should be neither sanitised nor sensationalised. Dark tourist sites are often tempted to provide the gory details of executions, highlight escape attempts and focus on the brutality of jailers. But it is also important to consider the victims of crime and the ways in which their experience might be marginalised when sites focus on the sensational.

Our project identified four key narratives that would allow the social, political and military histories of the island to be told: Cork Harbour, the Island Fortress, the Island Prison and the Island Home. Our intention was not to privilege one theme or story, but to offer visitors a multi-layered experience that revealed a diversity of voices ranging right across the island’s past.

Tourism is a business and commercial realities are a factor in developing any tourist site. Sites need to make money and it is the responsibility of the design team to make the content as accessible and as interesting as possible. Unlike Alcatraz, Spike Island had few famous prisoners and has not been immortalised in Hollywood films . As the historian responsible for researching and writing the island’s story, this was a good thing, as it enabled me to tell the whole story of the island as a place of refuge, defence and of incarceration.

Visitors can wander through the remains of the island village and imagine growing up on an island complete with its own school, church, fortress and prison. They can walk the corridors of the prison and stand in the cold, damp cells. They can patrol the perimeter of the fortress and imagine defending Cork harbour from a flotilla of invading ships. These are the types of experiences that cannot be replicated in a purpose-built museum.

The challenge of telling complex and diverse stories in a compelling and attractive way is a considerable one and involves input from a lot of people. But I believe that Spike Island successfully treads the fine line between education, entertainment and sensation. It is neither exploitative nor does it shy away from its difficult past.

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Information

We love to see you enjoying the exhibitions. Make sure to tag us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to share your tour!

If you’d like to visit our gallery as a group, our Visitor Assistant team can provide a short introduction to Spike Island including a brief history of our spaces, gallery orientation and a short introduction to our current exhibitions. 

HOW LONG IS THE TOUR? The tour usually takes approximately 10–15 minutes, after which you can explore the exhibitions at your own pace whilst our Visitor Assistant team r emain on hand to answer any questions. We recommend allowing 1–2 hours to fully explore the exhibitions.

WHEN CAN I VISIT? Group Visits can be arranged any time between 1–5pm Wednesday to Sunday. 

To arrange a g roup visit or tour, please complete the short form below. W e will get back to you within 3 working days to confirm the slot.  

Get in touch if you have any problems completing this form.

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The front of the Spike Island building during an Open Studios weekend: The sun is shining and lots of people are sat outside in the sun enjoying refreshments.

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Pacita Abad Life in the Margins, Installation view. Exhibition

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Spike Island Tours

Spike Island Tours

A trip to Spike Island Cork is a trip through 1300 years of Irish history —as well as a chance to experience beautiful nature and wildlife in a wild Irish setting. Departing from the historic and scenic seaside town of Cobh, your ticket includes:

  • The 12-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 full 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 monastery, fortress, prison, and island home. See centuries-old prison cells, military emplacement 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 free map to explore our island’s waking trails and many interesting areas inside the fort.
  • A free map for children, to keep little ones busy as they explore the island.

Ticket options

  • Adult (incl Ferry and Tour) Adult (incl Ferry and Tour) €26.95 0 78 max
  • Child (incl Ferry and Tour)(12 or under) Child (incl Ferry and Tour)(12 or under) €13.95 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 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 0 15 max
  • Student 18 years +(incl Ferry and Tour) ID REQUIRED Student 18 years +(incl Ferry and Tour) ID REQUIRED €21.95 0 78 max
  • Senior Citizen (65 & over)(incl Ferry and Tour) Senior Citizen (65 & over)(incl Ferry and Tour) €21.95 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 2 max
  • Child Under 2 (incl Ferry and Tour) Child Under 2 (incl Ferry and Tour) €4.95 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
  • Call us : 0212373455

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spike island tours rezensionen

Island Timeline

Explore the history of spike island.

In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 7th 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. 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 tours rezensionen

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

spike island tours rezensionen

"After they had laid low their armies, in Spike Island they imprisoned thousands, without food or drink or beds". The coming of Cromwell and a first prison.

spike island tours rezensionen

The first of three fortifications built to defend an Empire arrived in 1779, as 206 years of military occupation began. Well over a billion would be expended before it was complete.

spike island tours rezensionen

The second prison was the largest prison in the world in the 1850's, and remains the largest ever in Britain and Ireland.

spike island tours rezensionen

After 700 years of British occupation and many failed uprisings, Ireland began its successful path to freedom in 1912.

spike island tours rezensionen

Ireland secured freedom from Britain in 1921 with the signing of a truce after a hard fought and bitter War of Independence.

spike island tours rezensionen

The former residents of Spike Island recall their island home with fondness

spike island tours rezensionen

The peace of Cork harbour was shattered when a violent riot broke out in the prison on a hot August night in 1985

spike island tours rezensionen

Called the 'young offenders' prison, it would eventually hold more serious criminals like Dubliner Martin Cahill.

spike island tours rezensionen

An island repository of 1300 years of Irish history

IMAGES

  1. Spike Island (Cobh)

    spike island tours rezensionen

  2. SPIKE ISLAND: When to Visit, What to See & Things to Know

    spike island tours rezensionen

  3. SPIKE ISLAND: When to Visit, What to See & Things to Know

    spike island tours rezensionen

  4. Discover Ireland's Historic Island- Spike Island Cork

    spike island tours rezensionen

  5. SPIKE ISLAND GUIDED TOURS

    spike island tours rezensionen

  6. Spike Island in Cork Harbour

    spike island tours rezensionen

COMMENTS

  1. Spike Island

    The Island is located off the coast of Cobh in Cork harbour & has over 1300 years of Irish history. From an island monastery & fortress to the world's largest prison in the 1850's and centuries of island homes. Your journey starts with a ferry ride before Ireland's best storytellers take you on a guided tour of the outer island and fortress.

  2. Regular Tours

    A trip to Spike Island Cork is a trip through 1300 years of Irish history —as well as a chance to experience beautiful nature and wildlife in a wild Irish setting. Departing from the historic and scenic seaside town of Cobh, your ticket includes: The 12-minute return ferry journey across Cork harbour, one of the world's largest natural ...

  3. SPIKE ISLAND: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

    The Island is located off the coast of Cobh in Cork harbour & has over 1300 years of Irish history. From an island monastery & fortress to the world's largest prison in the 1850's and centuries of island homes. Your journey starts with a ferry ride before Ireland's best storytellers take you on a guided tour of the outer island and fortress.

  4. Spike Island Tours (Cobh)

    Spike Island Tours, Cobh: See 273 reviews, articles, and 265 photos of Spike Island Tours, ranked No.19 on Tripadvisor among 19 attractions in Cobh.

  5. Spike Island Prison Tours (Handy 2024 Guide)

    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.

  6. Take a guided tour of Spike Island, County Cork

    But over the last few years, another visitor attraction has been bringing the curious to this little Victorian seaport in County Cork: Spike Island. Tours have been departing from Cobh to Spike since 2015, and in 2017 it was named "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction" at the World Travel Awards. The 12-minute ferry to Spike Island is ...

  7. Spike Island Adventure

    Would definitely recommend Spike Island Adventures. Just Awsome!! Thank you!! Read more. Written August 23, 2014. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. ... We were staying in blarney for 4 days and ...

  8. Tickets and Tours

    Kenny & Lisa. Both for history and nature enthusiasts. Be sure to catch the free guided tour that is included in your ticket. Our guide was very skilled and made the history come alive through stories he told.Also take the time to explore the island and enjoy the view of Cobh from a different perspective.

  9. Visit Us

    VISIT DURATION. A visit to Spike Island is 3.5 hours long including the ferry crossing. On arrival at the island, you will join one of our experienced guides for a guided tour to the fort - this typically takes 40 minutes. From there, you are free to self-explore the buildings and island in your own time. There is a cafe and gift shop on site ...

  10. Spike Island Adventure

    Quick boat ride to Spike Island. Then guided tour of amazing historical place. So much history - great facility. 600ad to 1992. Guide was so knowledgeable. Great for kids too. Read more. Written September 8, 2015. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as ...

  11. Spike Island

    5 ways to tour the Wild Atlantic Way. Get your feet wet or hit the tarmac: how to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. article. 3 min read ... 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 ...

  12. TOURS (Cobh)

    Spike Island tour really enjoyable . Apr 2023 • Couples. Really enjoyed the tour and the whole experience.Elspeth our tour guide was brilliant.worth visiting. Read more. Written 5 April 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry ...

  13. Spike Island

    Spike Island was named Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in September 2017, so if you are visiting Ireland, be sure to add a Spike Island tour to your agenda. Visits to Spike Island typically last about 3½ hours. The ticket price includes the ferry there (and back!) 15 minutes each way, a one hour guided tour ...

  14. SPIKE ISLAND: When to Visit, What to See & Things to Know

    When to visit - the best time to see Spike Island. Open 363 days a year the island is the perfect place to visit any time of the year. However, during the winter months, there isn't a regular ferry to here so pre-booking is essential. During the summer months, there are boats multiple times a day as there is an increase in demand.

  15. Spike Island: the Irish 'Alcatraz' and the growth of dark tourism

    The former prison, Spike Island, is now one of the world's top 'dark tourism' destinations. ... Tourists listening to an audio tour on Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, in 2015.

  16. Spike Island Cork tour from Dublin including ferry ticket.

    Maximize time in Ireland with a full-day tour from Dublin to the coast of Cork. Board a ferry to visit Spike Island and learn about its history. Back on the mainland, explore the heritage town of Cobh and go for a stroll along its promenade. Relax in one of Cobh's cozy pubs or restaurants before boarding the coach for transport back to Dublin.

  17. Spike Island

    Located in the heart of Cork Harbour, Spike Island holds a significant place in Irish history, having served as a military fortress and a notorious prison. Discover the stories of the captains and convicts, sinners and saints who once inhabited the island. Join a guided tour with one of our expert storytllers, explore interactive museums ...

  18. Groups and tours

    WHEN CAN I VISIT?Group Visits can be arranged any time between 1-5pm Wednesday to Sunday. To arrange a group visit or tour, please complete the short form below. We will get back to you within 3 working days to confirm the slot. Get in touch if you have any problems completing this form.

  19. Buy Spike Island Tours Tickets online

    A guided tour on arrival with one of our storytellers. Self-guided time after your tour to enjoy full 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 monastery, fortress, prison, and island home.

  20. What to expect

    1300 years of Irish history and 104 acres of nature await! 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 ...

  21. Top Visitor Attractions in Ireland

    From guided tours to immersive exhibitions that bring its storied past to life, there's something for everyone at Spike Island. Visitors can explore the haunting corridors of the 18-century fortress, delve into the fascinating history of the island's Victorian-era prison, or take in the breathtaking views of Cork Harbour from the island's ...

  22. Island Timeline

    Explore the History of Spike Island. In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 7th 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 ...