2021 marks the centenary of the use of the fort on Spike Island as a British-military-run prison for Republican prisoners and internees. Between February and November 1921 almost 1200 Republicans were imprisoned on Spike Island. This exhibition is the result of over a decade of extensive research undertaken by the heritage team on Spike Island.
‘IMPRISONING A NATION’ features among others original letters, newspaper clippings, hand-written correspondence between the prisoners and internees and their family members as well as official documents issued by the British forces in 1921. Approximately one hundred and forty photographs were collected over a period of ten years. The autograph books containing signatures of those imprisoned on Spike Island during 1921 are especially remarkable.
All these distinctive artefacts reflect the struggle for Irish Independence and depict a unique link between the prisoners and Spike Island. We on Spike Island are proud and excited to bring this fascinating part of the island’s past and important chapter in Irish history to life and to be able to share it with you, our visitors.