“Walk an abandoned prison, sit in a solitary cell, experience a place of Punishment, once called Irelands hell”…
Join Irelands best storytellers for a night of history, mystery and intrigue, a tour unlike any other on Irelands Aincient East. With the long evenings one of our last this side of summer.
Spike Island off the coast of Cobh is a place steeped in history and mystery. This amazing 104 acre island has accommodated a monastery, fortress and prison in the last 1300 years and today it is dominated by the 24 acre star shaped Fortress Spike, which at one point was the largest convict depot in the world with over 2300 convicts crammed into the Fortress in awful conditions during the 1850’s.
The island is dotted with abandoned villages and houses that each have their own tale to tell, and our torch lit guided tours give visitors a chance to walk our abandoned prisons, sit in solitary cells and follow in the footsteps of famous Irish and international prisoners who are part of the islands rich history.
Boats depart from Kennedy pier, Cobh and after the short 10 minute ferry ride our storytellers will relay the rich history of the town and share the tales of shipwrecks and intrigue that litter Cork harbour. On arrival to the island we walk past abandoned villages as our storytellers share the darker chapters of Spikes history, an island pockmarked with unmarked mass graves of unfortunate prisoners, victims of a cruel time.
Once we reach Fortress Spike we relay the stories of a prison so feared a Victorian reporter once exclaimed “Is Spike Island even in a Christian land”? We visit buildings like the 1850s Punishment block with its tiny solitary cells which were built with the sole purpose of punishing Ireland’s penal classes. Then it is on to the former children’s prison which holds many memories from its former use, and your tour also includes visits to areas that are off limits to our regular day tours such as our abandoned prison with its menancing presense.
There are no forced scares or dressed up actors. Spike After Dark offers an honest re-telling of the extraordinary stories that make Spike Island a truly unique location in Irish history and heritage. Join the best storytellers in Ireland for an evening of incredible tales about a unique place in an ancient land.
Many have been, many remain, but will you escape from Fortress Spike?
See our full website at www.spikeislandcork.ie, and our App is free to download, search Spike Island on the app store.
FAQs Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
The suggested age limit is 15 and above due to the sometimes gruesome history that is relayed. Responsibility for determining the suitability for any person under 15 rests with the accompaning adult. There are no deliberate scare tactics or costumes, but the tours content and sometimes dark claustrophic cells may be difficult for some people.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Cobh town centre parking free from 6pm onwards, €1 per hour beforehand. Parking is also available at Cobh cathederal free of charge. The ferry deaprts from the end of Kennedy pier, just past Titanic Cobh and cannot wait for late arrivals, please allow plenty time for parking. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR PERSONS NOT MAKING THE BOAT FOR ANY REASON, PLEASE DO NOT ASK.
What can/can’t I bring to the event?
Please wear warm clothes and be dressed for rainy weather, as part of the tour takes place outside. You may bring your own torch but there is no need and no wide beam lights are permitted, straight beam only.
Where can I contact the organiser with any questions? admin@spikeislandcork.ie
Is my registration/ticket transferrable? Yes, you may pass on your ticket if you cannot attend.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Please print your ticket and bring to the ferry embarkation point as this saves time, but showing your confirmation by email will be acceptable.
The name on the registration/ticket doesn’t match the attendee. Is that okay? Yes, you can transfer the ticket.
What time does the event start? Boat departs at the alloted time, please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to departure as the ferry cannot wait for late arrivals. The ferry is covered so you will be dry while waiting in the event of rain.