Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / Province of Munster / County Cork / Cobh / Spike Island

Spike Island, Cobh

4.7

#1 of 16 in Nature in County Cork

Island · Nature / Park

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View a defensive fort, prison cells, and gun emplacements at Spike Island, an island considered to be "Ireland's Alcatraz." In the seventh century, this island was the site of a monastic settlement. Over the years, it took on different roles because of its strategic placement in the harbor. It has been used as a location for smugglers and prisoners and as a military base. Take a ferry from the mainland to tour this famous island. Learn about the area's many historic sites, including its fort and prison where IRA prisoners were held until their escape in 1921. Plan to see Spike Island and other attractions that appeal to you using our Cobh trip planner.

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Spike Island reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

3,002 reviews

Google

4.7

By Visitnewplaces29

It was an amazing experience and without doubt worth a return visit. Excellent initial tour provided by Rob . The sights and the history were really interesting

It was an amazing experience and without doubt worth a return visit. Excellent initial tour provided by Rob . The sights and the history were really interesting more »
By jimhD7896BC

Our guide John G met us at the pier as we got off the ferry. Strong, clear voice with distinctive Cork accent. Explained everything well. He certainly knows his history. Very interesting. Hilarious...

Our guide John G met us at the pier as we got off the ferry. Strong, clear voice with distinctive Cork accent. Explained everything well. He certainly knows his history. Very interesting. Hilarious... more »

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Google

By Margot Kearney

Fabulous place to visit, Fascinating history throughout the ages. Our guide Anna was excellent! Delighted we decided to come here . Walks around the island are gorgeous with wonderful 360 degrees views.

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By Manoj Kumar S

Good place to spend 3 hours of time. It started with a 10 minutes boat ride from Cobh to Spike Island. There will be a free guided tour for 40 minutes in which they will explain why this fort was built and how it was used during British and Irish. After the short introduction we have a option to take a trail outside the prison which will take 30 minutes max and then rest of the time you can spend inside seeing the history of the prison. You can see different types of guns used for defense, different weapons and dresses used by military people. Also you can experience the dark room which was used a punishment cell during British era and modern prison also. Overall it is good place to visit once and learn about the history.

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