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An Island Prison
Spike Island was used as an island prison on four occasions over 400 years, the first in the 1600’s holding Cromwellian prisoners.
The second in the 1840’s became the largest prison in the world, and there has never been a larger prison in Britain or Ireland before or since.
The third opened in 1921 and it held over 1200 Irish Republican prisoners during the Irish War of Independence.
While the final prison opened in 1985, and amazingly only closed in 2004! See hundreds of years of penal development, only at Spike Island Cork.
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An Island Fortress
The fort is so large, the whole of Alcatraz island could fit inside!
The first fortification was built on Spike Island in 1779 while the American War of Independence raged and the Kingdom of Great Britain was on high alert. Over the centuries many superpowers have attempted to invade southern Ireland, attracted by the strategically vital Cork harbour. The current Spike Island fortress, built in 1804, is one of the largest military structures in the world.

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An Island home
Social Spike Island
Spike Island has been home to the families of soldiers and prison officers for centuries, after the first fortification was built in 1779. The British Army stationed soldiers on the island until 1938, then the Irish Defence Forces and their families called the island home until 1985.
Read and hear their touching stories, about an island life away from the noise and cares of the mainland.