The Irish Alcatraz - The Story of Spike Island

Spike Island in Cork Harbour is often referred to as 'Ireland’s Alcatraz'. While this famous island prison began life as a monastery it was transformed into a fortress during the American Revolutionary War. However Spike island gained it's notorious reputation during the Great Hunger of the 1840s when a prison was opened in the fort.

This episode recorded on Spike island tells the story of Ireland’s Alcatraz…

I would like to thank the team on Spike Island for facilitating the recording of this episode. In particular I would like to thank Tom O’Neill for his time and expertise.

Sound by Kate Dunlea

Visit Spike Island: https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/

If you want find out more about Spike Island these texts come highly recommended.

Spike Island: Saint Felons and Famine

Too beautiful for thieves and pickpockets: A history of the Victorian convict prison on spike island

Spike Island republican prisoners 1921