The History of Spike Island

Dress accordingly for the ferry ride and activities that are sure to send chills up your spine when you set off on a 3.5-hour adventure on Spike Island, a 104-acre complex commanding a strategic position within the mouth of Cork Harbor. Set off on a guided tour to discover the history of the island, which includes a 7th-century monastic settlement and 18th-century artillery fortifications. The rugged Spike Island shoreline served as a hiding place for smugglers, and in 1847, the island became a prison soon housing over 2,000 convicts. Today, it is a captivating and interactive museum with activities for all ages. Visit the 1850s punishment block with its spooky prison cells, Ireland's largest artillery gun park and several penal, military and social history museums. Return to Cobh via the ferry and explore town on your own before a walk back to the ship.