Exploring places close to home is on my summer bucket list this year so I went to explore Spike island and take a tour to learn all the history of the people and places that make Spike Island so special. We got the ferry to Spike Island… It has been on my summer bucket list to go explore the island and take a tour to learn all the history of the people and places that make Spike Island so special. Spike Island is located off the coast of Cobh in beautiful Cork Harbour. Cobb is just 24 minutes by train or 25 minutes by car from Cork city centre.
HISTORY
In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 6th century Monastery, a 24 acre Fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times and centuries of island homes. The island’s rich history has included monks and monasteries, rioters and redcoats, captains and convicts and sinners and saints. Today the island is dominated by the 200 year old Fort Mitchel which became a prison holding over 2300 prisoners.
HOW TO GET THERE
After arriving to Cobh, you can take the ferry from Kennedy Pier, which is right in the town centre next to Titanic Cobh but I would advise booking early to be sure to get on your tour of choice. It books up fast. In Cobh there is free Parking is recommended at Cobh Heritage Center and Cobh Cathderal car parks. Allow at least 20 minutes to park and walk to the ferry.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ON THE ISALND
On the island you can enjoy a fully guided tour of our island and fortress and hear all the stories from Spike Island.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE
The ferry journey is just 10 – 20 minutes each way, with seats for each passenger. I would allow up to 3.5 hours per visit to try to see everything, take a tour and have a treat in the café
