We look forward to welcoming you to Spike Island, a captivating destination rich in history and natural beauty.
Before you embark on a journey to Ireland’s infamous island, here’s everything you need to know for a memorable visit.
OPERATING TIMES
February & March: Open weekends only (daily opening times for Mid-Term Break).
April-October: Open 7 days a week.
November: Open for tours on weekends only.
Our full sailing schedule is available on our book tickets page, simply select your tickets and then choose your preferred sailing date and time on the calendar.
VISIT DURATION
A visit to Spike Island is 3.5 hours long including the ferry crossing. On arrival at the island, you will join one of our experienced guides for a guided tour to the fort – this typically takes 40 minutes. From there, you are free to self-explore the buildings and island in your own time.
There is a cafe and gift shop on site as well as toilet facilities.
Our cafe offers a wide range of freshly baked goods, wraps, and sandwiches as well as homemade soup. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Our gift shops offer a selection of Spike Island souvenirs, gifts, books and more.
TICKET PRICES & BOOKING INFORMATION
| Adult | €26.95 |
|---|---|
| Child (under 12) | €13.95 |
| Family | €65.95 |
| Senior | €21.95 |
| Student | €21.95 |
| Child (under 2) | €4.95 |
Your ticket includes the return ferry journey to and from the island, a guided tour with one of our expert storytellers, a free visitor’s guide, and time to explore our 104-acre island.
Spaces are limited and advance booking is highly recommended, click here to book your tickets.
TOUR OPTIONS/EXPERIENCES
There are two ways to experience Spike Island:
- REGULAR DAY TOURS – Sail across Cork Harbour before embarking on a journey through time at Ireland’s infamous prison island. You will join a guided tour on arrival with one of our expert storytellers before self-exploring the fortress and island using your free visitor map. Expect authentic prison buildings, fascinating museums and exhibitions as well as scenic walking trails with breathtaking views. There is also a free fairy fortress map and children’s history quiz trail to keep the little ones entertained. (Duration: 3.5 hours)
- AFTER DARK TOURS – Explore Spike Island in a whole new light – or should we say darkness! Candlelit corridors, eerie tunnels and abandoned prison cells await you on our access-all areas After Dark tours. On this fully guided experience, our expert guides will dive into the dark history of what was once Ireland’s most notorious prison with spine-chilling tales of the murderers and deviants who once roamed its halls. (Duration 3 hours, Suitable for ages 16+ only) For more details on our After Dark Tours click here
GROUP BOOKINGS
Spike Island is open to pre-booked groups all year round. Groups of 15 people or more enjoy a 15% discount per ticket. Make your group booking online or email our team at admin@spikeislandcork.ie for more information.
We also provide a school tours programme at Spike Island. If you’re looking for an exciting and educational school tour for your students, click here for more information.
DIRECTIONS & TRAVEL INFORMATION
Spike Island is reached by ferry from Kennedy Pier, Cobh. The ferry journey takes approximately 15 minutes each way.
Cobh is well served by public transport which is the perfect way to travel to Cobh. Kennedy Pier is just a five-minute walk from Cobh Railway Station with trains to Cobh every 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends. irishrail.ie
The Cobh Connect Bus has hourly services from Cork City. Disembark at the Park Lane stop which is a 10 minute walk downhill to the pier. cobhconnect.ie
PARKING
Free parking is available at the Five Foot Way Car Park near the Cobh Heritage Centre, which is one kilometre from the town centre and ferry departure point, a 10-minute walk.
Paid parking is available at the car park at Cobh Cathedral, which is a five-minute walk to our kiosk and ferry departure point.
On-street parking in Cobh town centre is limited to 3 hours and is therefore unsuitable for visitors to Spike Island.
ACCESSIBILITY
At Spike Island, we strive to be as accessible as possible. There are two wheelchair-accessible pontoons and walkways in Cobh and on Spike Island to allow access to our passenger ferry.
There is a 400m walk from the island pier, with a short but steep incline to the fort. 10 of our 12 exhibition spaces are wheelchair accessible and there are fully accessible toilet facilities both at the pier and in our on-site cafe.
For more information, click here.
ISLAND MAP
