"Spike Island, or "Ireland's Alcatraz", is a small coastal enclave off the coast of Cobh in Co Cork. But while most of us associate its colourful history as one of a battle-hardened prison, its story begins much earlier, centuries earlier in fact. Spike Island's rich history extends as far back as 635 AD when Saint Mochuda set up a monastery on the island, which lasted for 500 years."
"The island went on to play a key role as a fortress for the British, who invested heavily in Cork Harbour as a line of defence against the French. This investment into the island was one of the most expensive construction projects in Irish history. Spike Island is still Britain and Ireland's largest-ever prison and was used as a prison facility up until 2004."
Spike Island sits off the coast of Cobh in Co Cork and originated as a monastery established in 635 AD by Saint Mochuda. The monastery endured for 500 years during a period when Ireland was renowned for illuminated manuscripts and craftsmanship. Later the island became a heavily fortified British stronghold as part of Cork Harbour defences against France, with construction ranked among the most expensive projects in Irish history. Spike Island then served as Britain and Ireland's largest prison until 2004 and experienced events such as the 1985 riots and the housing of notorious criminals. Since 2016 the island has operated as a popular tourist attraction contrasting with its darker past.
Read at Irish Independent
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]