Is Spike Island worth visiting?
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.
Why did Spike Island close?
On 1 September 1985 inmates rioted and, as a subsequent Dáil committee reported, “civilians, prison officers and the Gardai on the Island were virtual prisoners of the criminals”. During the riot, one of the accommodation blocks, Block A, caught fire and is known as the Burnt Block. This prison facility closed in 2004.
Can you live on Spike Island?
Further out in the island are many houses and even a village with many homes and a church. The residents lived on the the island until 1985 when the riot of that year forced their removal. The process of families leaving the island had begun with the opening of the civilian prison in 1985.
What prisoners were in Spike Island?
Spike Island Characters
- JACK IN THE BOX. James Grey was a Manchester born thief who would become infamous as the criminal ‘Jack in the Box’.
- CHAIN MAN OF SPIKE ISLAND.
- JOSEPH DWYER, THE GRAVEDIGGER.
- WILLIAM JOHNSTON.
- ROBERT KELLY.
- JOHN MITCHEL.
- GENERAL CHARLES VALLANCEY.
- LITTLE NELLIE OF HOLY GOD – ELLEN ORGAN.
Is there much walking on Spike Island?
Coming in at 2.4 kilometers, the Ring of Spike trail takes around 30 – 45 mintues to complete and it lets you get right in among the island rich history. Hugging the islands coastline, many visitors start at the island pier and walk past fishermens cottages to the back of the island, passing wild grasslands.
How long is the ferry to Spike Island?
10 – 17 minutes each way
FERRY. Spike Island can only be reached by ferry. The ferry to Spike Island departs from Kennedy pier, which is right in the town centre next to Titanic Cobh. Ferry journey is just 10 – 17 minutes each way.
How many prisoners were on Spike Island?
2300
It was anticpated the island would hold 800 prisoners but within a few short years the numbers swelled to over 2300, making it the largest known prison in the world. Prisoners were even sent from the UK to fill its cells and it held over half the prisoner population of Ireland.
Who runs Spike Island?
It was used as a prison in the 19th century when thousands of prisoners were transported from Spike to Australia. The island remained under British control following the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 and it was only handed over in 1938 when the last British forces left.
Where is Spike Island Cork Ireland?
Discover Ireland’s Captains & Convicts, Rebels and Rioters & Sinners and Saints at Spike Island Cork, Ireland’s historic island. Voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction of 2017! The Island is located off the coast of Cobh in Cork harbour & has over 1300 years of Irish history.
How many stock photos of Spike Island are there?
Browse 569 spike island stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. View of the crowd cheering at an outdoor concert given by British rock group The Stone Roses at Spike Island, Widnes, Cheshire, 27th May 1990.
Why is Spike Island so popular with tourists?
Spike Island first opened to the public in 2016 and was named “Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction” at the World Travel Awards in 2017. O’Donnabhain says tourists are curious to explore the island because of its dark past.
Is Spike Island still a prison?
Spike Island is no longer an active prison. More than 10,000 people have set foot on Spike Island this month alone according to a report in the Irish Examiner. Spike Island has quite a history. It was once a monastery (that would be the 6th century) and then a fortress before becoming a prison.
