Spike Island is a historical site located in Cork Harbour, offering guided tours and interactive experiences focused on Irish history, particularly its use as a military fortress and prison.

Spike Island

Spike Island, Cork Harbour | 437 followers on LinkedIn. Discover 1300 years of Irish history and an island of adventure at Spike Island Cork. A Cork County Council site. | Spike Island is a heritage island and national monument off the coast of Cobh, under the ownership of Cork County Council.  
At one time or another in its rich 1300 year history, Spike island has been a monastery, prison, fortress and island home.  The island is most famous of its 4 prisons spread across 400 years from the 1600’s until 2004.

Failte Ireland Tour Guide Cobh Town Tours

John Flynn

Marketing Manager, Spike Island Development Company | Public Relations Officer, Network Cork

Michelle Russell

Team lead / Visitor Services at Fortress Spike Island

Noel McCarthy

Nollaig Mac Carthaig

Spike Island, Cork Harbour

We are delighted to have partnered with Sample-Studios again this year hosting a summer residency programme with LaveryRing, the artistic collaboration of Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring. The culmination of this in-depth artist residency on Spike Island - an exhibition titled ‘All That Remains - is currently on display at the Lord Mayor’s Pavillion in Cork’s Fitzgerald Park. This project draws inspiration from from the island’s rich and complex history and delves into the complexities of the human condition by focusing on themes of incarceration, crime, punishment, displacement and resistance. At the heart of the exhibition is 'The Smell of Crime, a series LaveryRing developed during their time on Spike Island in June 2024, where they “bottled” stories of crime and punishment, capturing the emotional weight of isolation and confinement through scent. The residency marks an evolution in LaveryRing's artistic journey, bringing their longstanding practice in public art into a focused exploration of site-specific themes and local history. Using materials like cast bronze, aluminium, and steel, their works transform historical narratives, mythology and geographical influences into compelling, tangible artworks. As proud partners of the Sample-Studios residency program since 2021, we have welcomed eight Sample-Studios members to Spike Island to develop new work in a unique setting over the summer months which is later presented in a solo exhibition in The Lord Mayor’s Pavilion. We’re honored to support this year’s exhibition alongside Sirius Arts Centre, with additional support from The Arts Council of Ireland and Cork City Council. Experience this powerful, immersive exhibition that weaves history, myth, and place into art that resonates deeply with Spike Island's unique legacy. All That Remains will be on display until tomorrow, November 2nd. #SpikeIslandCork #SampleStudios #LaveryRing #CorkArts #ArtAndHistory #OlfactoryArt #IrishArtists

Just one week to go until the Spike Island Literary Festival returns to Ireland's infamous prison island. Now in its third year and dedicated to the popular theme of crime writing, the festival takes place on a unique island location with a dark history of four prisons over 400 years - the perfect setting for literary enthusiasts from book lovers to budding writers. Award-winning Cork author Cónal Creedon will officially open the festival on Friday followed by what is guaranteed to be a fascinating conversation between international bestsellers, Imran Mahmood and Neil Lancaster who will discuss their inspirations and how their backgrounds in law and justice shape their storytelling. Saturday brings together former State Pathologist Dr. Marie Cassidy with crime fiction legends Jo Spain and Arlene Hunt for Femme Fatale, a fascinating panel discussion where these leading female voices will join Michelle Dunne to discuss the art of suspense, forensic detail and creating compelling narratives. On Sunday, we have a jam-packed programme featuring RTÉ correspondent and author Sinéad Crowley along with Andrea Carter and Gill Perdue in discussion with Amy Jordan. And that's not before the Ten Minute Hook where Catherine Kirwan discusses the importance of capturing the reader's attention in those first ten pages of the story with Michelle Teahan, Alice Bell and John Crotty. Join us next weekend and immerse yourself in a world of suspense, mystery and intrigue as some of Ireland and the UK’s foremost authors descend on our infamous prison island. For full event details and to book your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3yXRV9p

We are delighted to present a new solo exhibition by Florin Nolan at Spike Island this summer. This brand new exhibition, entitled 'Florico - Island' is the result of a collaboration between Spike Island, Cope Foundation , Suisha Inclusive Arts and Cork Prison. Born in Romania and adopted by Irish parents, Florin has a unique connection to Cobh. His father served as a prison officer on Spike Island and his works are enriched by diverse cultural influences. Using acrylic and ink, Florin creates dreamlike architectural visions of Cobh as well as other landmarks, and his paintings and sculptures explore personal identity, memories and everyday life. Beyond his visual art, Florin is a passionate performer and dancer and he also advocates for the rights of people with disabilities promoting the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. Curated by our Museum Curator, Dorota Gubbins , this extraordinary exhibition runs from July 19th at the Punishment Block on Spike Island. Visit us this summer and rediscover the world through Florin's incredible art. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/eqmsffu8 #SpikeIslandCork #FloricoIsland #Cobh #IrishArtists #InclusiveArts #ArtExhibition

Yesterday, we officially launched our new exhibition 'Entwined History', marking the 220th anniversary of the foundation of Fort Westmoreland at Spike Island. Each year, our exhibition at Mitchel Hall reflects on Spike Island's rich history, heritage and people, and this year’s exhibition explores the island’s military significance and strategic location within Cork Harbour, featuring original architectural plans from the British National Archives showcasing the design and construction of the fort and the only known photograph of convicts working on the bastions of the fort in the mid to late 1800’s as well as other rare artefacts. A heartfelt thank you to all our guests who joined us yesterday to officially launch this exhibition including Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll. Thank you also to historian and author Cal McCarthy, who provided guests with a fascinating insight into the origins and construction of the fort at Spike Island, and to our musicians for providing the beautiful music. Entwined History is open to visitors at Mitchel Hall for the 2024 season. Visit us this summer to delve into the architectural and historical journey of one of Ireland’s most significant fortifications. Photographs by David Keane Photography Cork County Council Cobh & Harbour Chamber Visit Cork

The Smell of Crime: A Bottled History of the Spike Island Story Have you ever wondered how crime smells? Is it the scent of confinement? At Spike Island, we are delighted to host a new artist residency in collaboration with Sample-Studios and Sirius Arts Centre , where Cork-based artists Liam Lavery and Eithne Ring delve into the rich tapestry of Spike Island's history. Through this unique project, the artists will craft an immersive sensory experience centred around olfactory senses, blending the evocative power of scent with printmaking and sculpture. Tomorrow, Eithne and Liam will host a special pop-up scent event on Spike Island, presenting a unique immersive olfactory experience where visitors can follow their nose back through time. Re-imagining the lingering smells and representing containment, confinement and commodities, the artists have used bottles as a receptacle for some of Spike Island's stories; each holding a piece of the island's captivating past through the medium of scent. Spike Island's unique architecture and historical significance provide the perfect backdrop for this exploration. Join us as we unravel the smells associated with crime and confinement, and discover how scent can tell a powerful story. #SpikeIslandCork #ArtResidency #SampleStudios #SiriusArtsCentre #LiamLavery #EithneRing #OlfactoryArt #MultiSensoryExperience #ArtAndHistory #ImmersiveArt #CorkArts

We're delighted to partner with Imvizar to deliver our new and improvised version of our AR experience which is now free to all our visitors. Dive into an immersive experience that brings the rich history of Spike Island to life. Designed to enhance the visitor experience, our AR app offers a unique opportunity to explore the island's captivating stories, engaging with historical figures and events like never before. #SpikeIslandCork #AugmentedReality #AR #HistoryComesAlive #VisitCork #IrelandsAncientEast #Storytelling #PureCork #DiscoverIreland

We are delighted to share that our Sales & Marketing Manager at Spike Island, Michelle Russell has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Employee Category for the Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards. This recognition is a testament to Michelle's work and dedication in transforming our marketing strategy and promoting Spike Island as a must-see attraction for domestic and international visitors. Congratulations to Michelle and her fellow finalists, we wish everyone the very best of luck at the upcoming awards ceremony which will be held at Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel on Thursday 23rd May. #SpikeIslandCork #NetworkIreland #NetworkCork #CorkHarbour #Cobh #Tourism

We're delighted to announce the return of our Spike Island 5km Race on Saturday 13 April. 🏃♂️Lace up your running shoes and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Spike Island 5km Race! This unique event promises an adventure like no other - where else can you begin your run within the walls of a 200 year old fortress before making your way around an iconic island surrounded by spectacular views of Cork Harbour. 🕔 The race kicks off at approximately 5:25 p.m, promising an adrenaline-fueled dash through the island's scenic routes. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a leisurely walker, all are welcome to participate - runners can undertake the 5km route while there is a special 3km course tailored for walkers. Our dedicated marshals will be on hand to guide you and ensure you stay on track throughout. 🏅 After crossing the finish line, each participant will receive a special Spike Island medal to celebrate their triumph. Boats depart from Cobh at 4pm. and 4:45pm. Embrace the challenge and don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind race event! We'll see you at the starting line 👉 https://lnkd.in/ezBtq_6K #SpikeIslandCork #SpikeIsland5km #CorkRunning #Cobh #CorkHarbour

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Spike Island