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Spike Island – the perfect family adventure this Mid-Term Break.

If you’re on the lookout for an exciting and memorable experience to enjoy together as a family this Mid-Term Break, look no further! At Spike Island, one of the country’s leading visitor attractions, we are open all this week for an island adventure the whole family will enjoy.

Prepare to step back in time at Ireland’s infamous prison island as you explore the fascinating history of Spike Island. From its origins as a monastic settlement to its role as a fortress and later a prison, the island holds centuries of stories waiting to be uncovered.

For families seeking a unique day out, Spike Island offers a range of activities to suit all ages. Sail across one of the world’s largest natural harbours where you might spot all kinds of maritime wildlife such as seals, seabirds and the occasional dolphins, before embarking on a guided tour with one of our expert guides.

At Spike Island, family fun is guaranteed with activities such as our Kid’s History Quiz Trail and Fairy Fortress Trail as well as our many interactive exhibitions and museums. There is also a cafe and gift shop on site as well as a children’s playground. It’s the perfect way to keep the kids entertained this half-term.

Beyond its historical significance, Spike Island is a haven of natural beauty. Be sure to embark on one of our scenic walking trails and take in the breathtaking views of Cork Harbour.

Sailings depart from Cobh – just a short journey from Cork City – daily this February Mid Term Break, be sure to book your tickets in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a day of family fun, Spike Island promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Spike Island Named One of the Top Visitor Attractions in Ireland

At Spike Island, we are thrilled to have been voted one of the Top 10 visitor attractions in the recent Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards. This recognition is a testament to the incredible experiences and memories we’ve shared with visitors from near and far, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support of our loyal guests.

Spike Island placed among some of the country’s best known visitor attractions such as Guinness Storehouse and The Cliffs of Moher, in a poll of Irish and international readers of The Irish Independent and adjudication by an expert panel including Pól Ó Conghaile (Travel Editor, The Irish Independent), John and Francis Brennan (hoteliers), Roz Purcell (author & adventurer), Niall Tracey (Director of Demand Development, Fáilte Ireland), Rachel Duggan (Editor of the Irish Independent’s Weekend Magazine) and Katy McGuinness (food writer & restaurant critic).

Nestled in the heart of Cork Harbour, Spike Island is best known as Ireland’s infamous prison island and holds a rich and varied history that spans centuries. From guided tours to immersive exhibitions that bring its storied past to life, there’s something for everyone at Spike Island. Visitors can explore the haunting corridors of the 18-century fortress, delve into the fascinating history of the island’s Victorian-era prison, or take in the breathtaking views of Cork Harbour from the island’s viewing points.

One of the highlights of a visit to Spike Island is the opportunity to hear the stories of those who lived and worked here throughout its history. Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing the island’s history, from the monks who once sought solace in its tranquil surroundings to the prisoners who endured hardship within its walls.

The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards also revealed that Cork was voted as the second-best holiday county. Check out purecork.ie where you’ll find plenty of holiday inspiration for a trip to the Rebel County in 2024.

We would like to extend our thanks to our visitors and everyone who voted for us, to Pól Ó Conghaile and the judging panel, and to our dedicated team who ensure a visit to Spike Island is a memorable one.

It is a privilege to be counted among Ireland’s top visitor attractions, come and see for yourself why we’ve been voted one of the top 10 in Ireland – we can’t wait to welcome you!

Unveil the Dark Secrets of Spike Island on one of our After Dark Tours!

Get ready for a spine-chilling adventure and explore the haunting history of Ireland’s infamous prison island this February.
Due to popular demand, our After Dark Tours return for two nights only on February 10th & 24th.
Walk through the chilling corridors of an abandoned prison, sit in a solitary cell and experience a place of punishment once called ‘Ireland’s Hell’.

Guided by our expert storytellers, 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!
Not for the faint-hearted, our After Dark tours take you to areas of the island usually off limits to the public where our tour guides will share the harrowing history and spine-chilling stories of Ireland’s most notorious murders and deviants.
Explore Spike Island in a whole new light – or should we say darkness! Candlelit corridors, eerie tunnels, and abandoned prison cells await you on this access all areas tour.

Will you escape from Spike Island? There’s only one way to find out! Don’t miss this limited opportunity to experience Spike Island like never before, book your tickets now – if you dare!

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Get ready for a spooktacular adventure like no other!

Join us at Spike Island for the ultimate family-friendly Halloween event, The Spookfest Trail.

Bring your little goblins and witches and hop on board the fun ferry before embarking on a fang-tastic adventure through the mysterious Spike Island where you will find areas of the ancient fortress and prison transformed into a realm of Halloween wonderland!

Along with their families, the little ones can then trick or treat their way around the fortress with our brand new Halloween themed quiz trail – keep an eye out for our friendly tour guides who will be handing out sweet treats along the way!

Once your trick or treating is complete, you can relax at our cafe and gift shop. And that’s not all, our historic island offers an array of museums and child-friendly exhibitions as well as scenic island walks.

Don’t miss out on this unique Halloween experience, where history meets spook-tacular fun! Get your costumes ready and join us for an afternoon of enchantment, exploration, and Halloween surprises – the Spike Island Spookfest Trail promises a memorable Halloween experience that will delight children and parents alike.

Suitable for children aged 2+

As part of our upcoming War of Independence Weekend, our popular Spike Island Escape Tour returns for one night only! This unique evening tour focuses on the daring escape by Republican prisoners and internees in 1921, at a time when Spike Island held over 1200 Irish rebels.

On a cold November evening 1921, seven prisoners embarked on an escape mission from the Military Prison in the Field at Spike Island. Having secretly cleared a tunnel area and under cover of darkness, the group of men evaded the searchlights, razor wire and prison guards to escape their island incarceration through a hidden tunnel.

his fully guided tour – with access to areas usually off limits to the public – follows the exact route the prisoners embarked on to escape their captivity and tells the story of the 1921 Republican prison.

Join us on this special escape tour as we walk in the footsteps of the men who fought for the cause of Irish Freedom. Boats depart from Cobh at 5pm, spaces are limited and advance booking is highly recommended.

Join us on Saturday 30 September and Sunday 1 October for a special weekend dedicated to commemorating the history of Spike Island during the Irish War of Independence.

Our annual War of Independence Weekend features reenactors portraying the Irish Volunteers and Crown Forces, an original 1921 prison hut and an extensive display of firearms and weapons from the period.

Up to 1200 Republican prisoners and internees were held on our historic island during the War of Independence as a result of their activities against Crown forces. This special event commemorates the Irish rebels who risked their lives to fight for the cause of Irish Freedom.

Hear from historian and author Tom O’Neill and others as they recount what life was like for the Republican prisoners and internees who were held captive, including the gallant soldiers who would later lose their lives during the Irish Civil War.

Highlights of the weekend include a series of captivating presentations in the surroundings of an authentic 1921 prison hut. Notable talks will cover subjects like “The 1921 Military Prison in the Field”, “The Weapons of the War of Independence” and “The Cork Male Gaol 1920 Hunger Strikers” presented by Conor Kenny, grandson of internee Joseph Kenny. Discover the connections between Spike Island and Bere Island prisons at the time, as well as the intriguing story of Cork city IRA officer Mick Murphy, who was recently uncovered as a prisoner on Spike under an alias. Daniel Cremin, his great-grandson, will lead this compelling presentation.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to embark on a journey through history and walk in the footsteps of the men who fought for the cause of Irish freedom. Boats will depart from Kennedy Pier, Cobh, on the hour from 10am to 2pm and pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. Join us this September as we delve into the history of Spike Island during the Irish War of Independence.