Spike Island

Service Description

Explore the History of Spike Island In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 7th century Monastery, a 24 acre Fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times and centuries of island homes. 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. Your ticket includes the return ferry journey to and from the island, a guided tour with one of our expert storytellers, a free visitor’s guide, and time to explore our 104-acre island. OPERATING TIMES February & March: Open weekends only (daily opening times for Mid-Term Break). April-October: Open 7 days a week. November: Open for tours on weekends only. VISIT DURATION A visit to Spike Island is 3.5 hours long including the ferry crossing. On arrival at the island, you will join one of our experienced guides for a guided tour to the fort – this typically takes 40 minutes. From there, you are free to self-explore the buildings and island in your own time. There is a cafe and gift shop on site as well as toilet facilities. Our cafe offers a wide range of freshly baked goods, wraps, and sandwiches as well as homemade soup. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Our gift shops offer a selection of Spike Island souvenirs, gifts, books and more. TOUR OPTIONS/EXPERIENCES There are two ways to experience Spike Island: REGULAR DAY TOURS – Sail across Cork Harbour before embarking on a journey through time at Ireland’s infamous prison island. You will join a guided tour on arrival with one of our expert storytellers before self-exploring the fortress and island using your free visitor map. Expect authentic prison buildings, fascinating museums and exhibitions as well as scenic walking trails with breathtaking views. There is also a free fairy fortress map and children’s history quiz trail to keep the little ones entertained. (Duration: 3.5 hours) AFTER DARK TOURS – Explore Spike Island in a whole new light – or should we say darkness! Candlelit corridors, eerie tunnels and abandoned prison cells await you on our access-all areas After Dark tours. On this fully guided experience, our expert guides will dive into the dark history of what was once Ireland’s most notorious prison with spine-chilling tales of the murderers and deviants who once roamed its halls. (Duration 3 hours, Suitable for ages 16+ only)

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