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Spike Island

Spike Island | Cork Habour, Cork, Ireland
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Ranked #5 of 67 attractions in Cork
Type: Historic Sites
Traveller Description: Spike island is more than just an island. This little piece of land off the southern tip of Ireland in Cork Harbour holds the key to so much of... more »
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52 reviews from our community

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London, United Kingdom
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

My name is michael, as is my fathers name, and his fathers before him. My father had planned on us going to Spike together, but due to illness he sadly died, 3 years ago, before we had a chance. The reason for my visit last week was to see where Dad and his family had lived in their early years,... More

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Cork
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

Spike Island has been at the heart of Irish History for many hundred years, unfortunately this fact isn't know to the majority of Irish people! The tour starts in Cobh, via boat to the Island, the Island was a military fortification, detention centre (for people awaiting deportation to Australia and the West Indies), then it was used by the Irish... More

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Cork
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4 reviews 4 reviews
4 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

A short boat journey from Cobh, this island has seen many stages of development. The main attraction is the Bastion Fort that has served as a Military and Naval Base, a prison on more than one occassion, just go!

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See 3 more reviews by seaniecos for Cork
Dublin, Ireland
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4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

This trip was eerie but fascinating. We took the guided tour, which I would recommend. The boat trip was a great chance to look back on the town of Cobh and the stunning cathedral. The island itself has a huge story to tell and we really enjoyed hearing all about it!

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Dublin
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3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

This is a very interesting and enjoyable afternoon for anyone looking for something to do in Cork. We took the guided tour which is a must. Otherwise you would miss the most interesting elements. Unlike some guides who have just wandered in Michael is actually a leading expert on the island and can tell you everything you want to know!... More

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Cork, Cork, Ireland
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

This was my second trip to Spike Island and on both occasions I wasn't disappointed. The trip begins with a harbor crossing on the Barry J - which if you are lucky may include a run past the Naval base at Haulbowline and some potential seal spotting. We chose to go with a guide on both visits - when I... More

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See 2 more reviews by Johneric L for Cork
Cork, Ireland
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 March 2013

An Island full of history explained brilliantly by Michael Martin who explains the history with stories from the past to the present day. Set in the middle of Cork Harbour (2nd biggest natural harbour in the world) the island is surprisingly big and offers breath taking views all round. No wonder a big gun was placed pointing towards the mouth... More

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Cork
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
8 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 March 2013

Spike Island itself as had a long and varied history from monastic settlement, Viking base to Prison, army and naval base. The fort is well worth a visit

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See 7 more reviews by seacos_13 for Cork
Cobh, Ireland
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 February 2013

Spike Island is an Island in the centre of Cork Harbour and can be seen from many advantage points within Cork Harbour itself. My first visit to Spike Island was as a young Military Policeman while performing launch duty in the mid 1960 on the old old stean boats from Cobh to Naval Base, Haulbowline and then to Spike Island... More

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See 2 more reviews by Frank O for Cork
Cork, Ireland
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 January 2013

An up and coming tourist destination, visited it over a year ago when it forst began walking tours, will be a great place to visit in years to come as the development takes place. Already it is a fantastic destination to go to, to get a taste of the History of the Fort and Cork Harbour and its importance, the... More

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See 12 more reviews by Jamie M for Cork

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