night tour spike island

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Spike Island’s After Dark Tours return

20 April 2024 By Tom Collins [email protected]

Dark tales of murder and mystery revealed on exclusive guided night tours in April and May

Spike Island has announced the return of its popular After Dark Tours for two additional dates in the lead-up to the summer months – Saturday 20th April and Saturday 4th May.

Through these unique night-time tours, visitors can unlock the dark secrets of the iconic prison island through an exclusive guided tour, and gain access to areas of the island usually off limits to the public.

Not for the faint hearted, visitors will walk down the creepy candlelit corridors and eerie tunnels, explore an abandoned prison cell block and experience the brutal solitary confinement area.

As well as this, expert tour guides will recount the chilling history of Ireland’s most notorious murderers and deviants.

Once known as “Ireland’s Hell,” attendees on the all-access tours will learn about the horrific treatment of the island’s inmates during the 1850’s.

The notorious prison island, once the largest prison in Ireland and Britain, was also the scene of many gruesome murders throughout the years, including a 19th-century prison warden and nationalist prisoner Patrick White who was killed by his captors.

The tour also includes a short ferry ride across Cork Harbour to the island, followed by a guided walk around the island sharing the harrowing history and stories passed down by former residents.

During the Great Famine, over 2,300 inmates were imprisoned at Spike Island, and the 10% death rate shows the harsh conditions prisoners endured.

It is believed that 1,300 convicts are buried in mass graves throughout Spike Island.

Tickets for Spike Island’s After Dark Tours are expected to sell out in advance of the two dates, so pre-booking to avoid disappointment is essential at www.spikeislandcork.ie

*Please note this tour is for over-16s only.

About Spike Island

Spike Island stands tall in Cork’s natural harbour just 15 minutes ferry ride from the beautiful heritage town of Cobh in County Cork. The island has a dark and fascinating past.

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.

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.

Access to the island is by ferry from Kennedy Pier in Cobh – visit www.spikeislandcork.ie for sailings and opening times.

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Spike After Dark Tours

Do you dare to visit Spike Island After Dark? Explore the haunting corridors of an abandoned prison, find yourself in the heart of solitary confinement, and immerse yourself in a place once infamously known as "Ireland's Hell’, on this fully guided tour. Not for the faint-hearted, on these tours you will be told stories and history that is deemed not suitable for our daytime visitors. The darkest history is only told at night!

Our After Dark tours take you to areas of the island usually off limits to the public, where our tour guides will share the harrowing history and spine-chilling stories of Ireland's most notorious murders and deviants. Prepare to be led through eerie tunnels and abandoned prison cells, as you hear the dark tales of murder and mystery on this candlelit tour.

Book your tickets now if you dare and join us for a night you won't forget as we unravel the eerie mysteries of Spike Island!

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• After Dark ( Over 16's Only) After Dark ( Over 16's Only) €34.95 0 30 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.

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.

Sunset scenes at Spike Island as they launch new adults-only evening tours this summer

The team at Spike are launching a new After Dark tour for the summer season

• 15:26, 11 JUL 2023

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Cork's Spike Island has announced a new adults-only nighttime tour. Adding to Spike's spooky 'After Dark' series, they are introducing new Twilight Tours for the summer season.

Taking place every Friday evening from July 14th to August 11th, the access-all-areas tour takes visitors to parts of the island usually off limits during their regular daytime tours.

Visitors can explore an abandoned prison and eerie tunnels, sit in a solitary cell, and hear tales of crimes, punishments, and escapes at Ireland’s Alcatraz.

Tour guides walk visitors in the footsteps of generations past as they bring history to life with fascinating stories from the island's history, including its days as a monastic settlement to its role as a fortress and a prison.

The Twilight Tour experience also promises breathtaking panoramic views of the sunset as darkness falls over Cork Harbour.

The tour runs from 6 pm to 9 pm with boats to the island departing from and returning to Kennedy Pier in Cobh. The tour is 16+ and tickets are €29 available to book online here.

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A trip to Spike Island

Explore Ireland’s most notorious island…

Across the waters from the harbour town of Cobh sits Spike Island, one of the most notorious island prisons in the world…

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If you visit Cobh , a small town on Ireland’s southwest coast, odds are your thighs will ache at some point. With streets that rise up from the waterfront with punishing inclines, it’s somewhat inevitable.

Coming down, you feel compelled to move at a trot; going up, it’s different story. After taking in an incredible view from St Colman’s Cathedral, I descend Barrack Hill as an elderly man is inching his way up. “You wouldn’t be long working off breakfast in this place,” he grumbles to me.

“Deck of Cards”, Cobh, County Cork

© Tourism Ireland

Steep though they may be, it’s these hilly streets that make Cobh one of the most frequently photographed towns in Ireland's Ancient East . Wedged into the side of a hill, with candy-coloured houses stacked in rows, the town boasts elegant Victorian bandstands, a bustling harbour and one of the most beautiful Georgian terraces in all of Ireland.

The sea dominates; vast ocean vistas present themselves at unexpected moments and the weather seems to be on a perpetual conveyor belt as it rolls across the Atlantic. It’s not uncommon to be cast into preternatural darkness from a looming rain cloud one minute and to be bathed in sharp sunlight the next.

The bandstand on The Prom, Cobh

Cobh streetscape

Down at the harbour is where Cobh’s history comes into sharp focus. From this very point, more than three million people departed between 1815 and 1970; some to penal colonies, some to better lives, some to their death.

The town is intrinsically linked to two of the world’s most famous shipping disasters: the torpedoing of the Lusitania in 1915, and the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Today, the Titanic Experience Cobh overlooks a harbour frequented by luxury cruise ships – Cobh is the only port in Ireland with a dedicated cruise ship berth.

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 Spike Island ferry

The 12-minute ferry to Spike Island is short but scenic, with passengers squeezed into the small outside space to make the most of the dramatic departing views of Cobh. Most seem to know something of the place, but few know what to expect. “It’s kind of like Ireland’s Alcatraz, right?” an American woman asks me as we roll across Cork Harbour, seagulls cawing.

Truth is that it is and it isn’t. Spike, like Alcatraz, is certainly one of the most notorious island prisons in the world, but it’s a lot more besides. It was once a monastery and a fortress. But it was also a home. People lived here until as late as 1985 when a prison riot led to a forced evacuation.

A tour guide welcomes people to the Spike Island tour

Spike Island

As we gather on the small pier on Spike and meet our tour guide, Fionnán, it does appear to be an island like any other, but the deserted houses, some well-preserved on the outside, lend an eerie air. In its heyday in the late 18th century, almost 300 people who were either part of the military or their family lived here. They grew their own food, schooled their children, picked periwinkles on beaches, held dances, and socialised together.

Fionnán explains how they weren’t the first to make this place a home. A monastic settlement was built here in 635AD, creating a safe haven for monks who farmed the land and fished the waters. Today, nothing remains of the monastery, instead the huge hulk of what was known as Fort Mitchell is what dominates.

Deserted houses on Spike Island

Over the course of about 400 years, Spike was used as a prison four times with the first being in the 1600s and the last being in 1985. It’s remarkable to think that it only closed in 2004.

“Believe it or not, Spike was never intended to be a prison,” Fionnán explains. “It was built in 1804 as a star-shaped fort to protect the British Empire from all its enemies. But in the 19th century after the Great Famine, Spike became one of the biggest prisons in the British Isles. There were over 2,500 prisoners and over 1,000 died in the first six years of its existence; a lot of the people here were children.”

Entrance to Spike Island

View of Cobh from Spike Island

Up until now, we’ve been outside the prison walls, and it’s an almost bucolic environment with tree-shaded paths, swathes of beautifully cut grass and glimpses of the sea, but as Fionnán finishes his guided tour with an extensive description of the prison riots of 1985, we are left to our own devices and it’s time to enter Spike.

Prison cells on Spike Island

The first thing that strikes you is the size of the place. Spike is huge and it can be a little difficult to know how to orientate yourself. I choose to go counter-clockwise, making my way to the modern prison first. I am completely alone.

It’s an unsettling experience to walk these corridors with their steel gates and sickly yellow corridors. The prison cells are as they were left – washed in cold, dispiriting tones of grey and occasionally inhabited by models of former prisoners that frequently give me a scare.

Prison cell on Spike Island

Spike Island history

There are After Dark Tours on Spike Island, but they are only for the brave. Several times walking around, I think I hear footsteps behind me. At other times, it’s alarming to find myself alone in the notorious Victorian Punishment Block where water drips and despair seems to seep through the stones.

Museum exhibition

Visitors are given around 3.5 hours to explore Spike Island, and the time goes by remarkably quickly. The exhibitions here – whether the excellent detailing of the prison riots in the modern prison, or the tales of dances and socialising for locals in Mitchel Hall – are detailed and compelling.

Views from Spike Island

I save some time before the departure of the ferry to do the 2.4km Ring of Spike walk outside the fort walls. Despite the lush grass, silvery waters of the Atlantic and soft birdsong, the history of the island is never far away. On the 45-minute walk, I pass a convict’s graveyard, a former 19th century hospital called Bleak House, and the tumble-down, ivy-choked buildings of the old village.

It’s an idyllic respite from the often claustrophobic conditions of the prison, and everything from the broad views of Kinsale Harbour  to the startling emerald colour of the grass seems to come into sharp relief.

As the rain starts to fall, it’s a relief to see the ferry. All aboard, we start the slow journey back to Cobh, grateful that none of us have been left behind.

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

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This spooky tour will lure you down Spike Island’s eerie prison tunnels at night

The witching season has begun.

And while Halloween is still a while away, you can get some spooky action in early thanks to an upcoming adults-only event happening in one of Cork’s most atmospheric and storied locations.

Spike Island is running an After Dark prison tour for over-16s on Saturday, September 24th, promising to take guests on a haunting journey into the dark history of the prison island that they cannot reveal to day tours.

“Now all tours are taken to the areas closed off to our regular visitors.” the organisers said on Instagram.

“Visit the abandoned jail and walk in the hidden tunnels where gun powder was stored and prisoners held in solitary confinement for over 23 hours a day.”

The tour begins with a ferry ride across Cork Harbour, before your guide walks you past abandoned villages and former homes. You’ll hear the harrowing history and spooky stories passed down by our former island residents.

“Then on we go to Fortress Spike, the fortress built to defend an empire that became the largest prison in the world in the 1850s. Over 2,300 inmates were crammed into the Fort on any one day, during the harsh Famine years.

Do you dare to visit #SpikeIslandCork After Dark? Our #AfterDark tours are back! Explore our island prison and eerie tunnels by night on this #accessallareas tour and hear the chilling stories of Ireland’s Alcatraz! Book your tickets now, https://t.co/9z4rDNUqAQ #purecork #cobh pic.twitter.com/RmYgpoc8Qr — SpikeIslandCork (@SpikeIslandCork) September 9, 2022

“There has never been a bigger prison in Britain or Ireland, before or since. The death rate peaked at 10 percent, which testifies to the harshness of the conditions. Some 1,300 convicts remain in mass graves on the island, victims of a cruel time.”

There are no forced scares or actors, just the all-too-true stories from a fearsome prison and a unique corner of Ireland’s Ancient East.

Adult tickets are €29 and are available to book now here .

Head to St Luke’s for a ‘Circular Day’ of swaps, arts, crafts and community spirit

Douglas street is closing this weekend for a very special event.

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© 2024 Yay Cork

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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...

Exploring Three Castle Head and Dunlough Castle on the Mizen Peninsula

Third Time Lucky at the Rock of Cashel

Not just a load of old Blarney!

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.

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