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.

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.

We look forward to welcoming you to Spike Island, a captivating destination rich in history and natural beauty. Before you embark on a journey to Ireland’s infamous island, here’s everything you need to know for a memorable visit.

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.

Visitors today can explore the 104 acre island, with the 80 acres outside the fort covered by pretty walking trails that reveal scenic forrest, open grassland areas and lots of nature and wildlife. You can see the original houses of the island village, some dating to the late 1700’s, and visit the convict cemetery.

Spike Island is well worth a visit. The scenery is beautiful, even for a walk, it is worthwhile to go and see. The tour guide was excellent too and we enjoyed it all. You could easily spend a few hours here, a great way to spend a day and very affordable too. It is advisable to book the ferry beforehand, it is a popular spot.

Get ready to unlock the dark secrets of Ireland’s infamous prison island on one of our After Dark Tours. 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 access-all-areas tour.

A guided tour on arrival to the island, from the pier to the fortress. A free map of the island and fort, so you can self explore after your tour. Access to all areas including over a dozen museums and authentic buildings. A cafe and gift shops on site. Several toilet locations.

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.

Spike Island is reached by ferry from Kennedy Pier, Cobh. The heritage town of Cobh is just 24 minutes by train or 25 minutes by car from Cork city centre. Parking is recommended at the Five Foot Way (10-minute walk) or Cobh Cathedral car park (15-minute walk).