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The island remained the site of a prison and military base (for the regular Irish Army, the FCÁ and later the Navy) for some time. Late into the 20th century, it was used as a youth correctional facility.
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.
Aug 20, 2020 · A star-shaped fortress atop a picturesque island off the southwest coast of Ireland once housed one of the world’s biggest prison populations. While Spike Island was welcoming boatloads of...
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.
Mar 19, 2018 · The former fort and notorious prison in Cork harbour, once known as ‘Hell on Earth’, has become an award-winning attraction.
Discover the Spike Island 1921 prisoners who lost their lives during the Irish Civil War. In a special evening tour this April, Spike Island will recall prisoner life at the time when the island was used as a military prison in the field during the Irish War of Independence.
Today visitors can explore the vast Fortress, enter the infamous Punishment block and modern prison cells, see Ireland's largest military gun park, journey through the tunnels to the harbour defence guns, enter the former children's prison and explore the 104 acres of villages, beaches and grasslands.
Spike Island in Cork Harbour is often referred to as 'Ireland’s Alcatraz'. While this famous island prison began life as a monastery it was transformed into a fortress during the American Revolutionary War.
In its 36-year existence from 1847 – 1883 over 1300 would perish and as many as 750 died under the watch of the first surgeon on the island, who was said to be drunk and opiate. Today two mass graves on the island attest to the awful conditions.
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.
