Known as Ireland’s Alcatraz, Spike Island offers a chilling experience for those brave enough to explore its darkened paths after nightfall. The Spike Island After Dark tours are not just about historical facts but about truly experiencing the eerie essence of a place that has witnessed centuries of crime, punishment and mystery. If you’re curious about Ireland’s haunted history, these tours should be at the top of your list.
We did this tour on November 1st and it was a great thing to experience just after Halloween. The boat from Kennedy Pier in Cobh takes you quickly over to Spike Island, a place which, despite living in Cork my whole life, I had never been to.
Once off the boat, the group walk up to the prison. Be warned, this walk takes you up a hill, which some people may find quite steep. We were looking forward to having some spooky experiences during this tour, but unfortunately, it wasn't the night for it. However, we still really enjoyed the after dark tour.
Spike Island’s history stretches back over 1,300 years. What began as a tranquil monastery later transformed into a military fortress, a notorious prison and finally, a preserved historical site. The island has housed saints, soldiers and sinners, each leaving behind remnants and stories of their time here. With its thick stone walls, iron doors and underground tunnels, Spike Island retains a palpable sense of those bygone eras.
The Spike Island After Dark tours shine a light on the darker chapters of this history, revealing the grim stories of Ireland’s largest prison in the 19th century, where overcrowding and harsh conditions were a daily reality. It’s one thing to learn about these tales by day, but stepping into the old cells at night is a whole other experience. In one of the areas in particular, I felt a bit nauseous and got a headache. I honestly believe the energy of the place was just sinister.
Spike Island’s After Dark tours offer a unique way to experience this historic site. Unlike daytime tours that focus on general history and architecture, the evening tours delve into the paranormal. Guided by knowledgeable experts, you'll be walked through the island's haunted spots and former cells while hearing stories of prison breaks, deaths and reported ghost sightings. Here’s what you can expect:
Walking through dimly lit corridors, it's a bit of a suspenseful experience because you feel as though something may jump out at you. Our first experience at Spike Island was a show with Dean Jacob mentalist who was really entertaining. I still figure out how he managed to achieve the lotto ticket trick, which I won't say anymore about as I don't want to ruin it for any future visitors to his shows, but it was a fitting bit of entertainment for an after dark tour at Spike.
After the mentalist show it was time for a break for one group while the rest headed to the tunnels. I did think it was a bit early for a break so I headed to the tunnels, where prisoners were kept in solitary confinement for twenty-three and a half hours a day. It was quite harrowing hearing the stories of these people who were kept in complete darkness for almost the whole day and the emotional turmoil this must have caused them.
The guides during the tour were great, sharing not only the recorded history of the island but also giving accounts of paranormal experiences both themselves and visitors have had on Spike Island. Hear the tales of wardens and prisoners who reportedly haunt the grounds.
The Spike Island After Dark tours grant access to areas closed during regular hours. Some parts of the island have a history of violent incidents and walking through these spaces gives a true glimpse into what life was like here in darker times.
The After Dark tours wouldn’t be complete without addressing the question that lingers on every visitor’s mind: Is Spike Island truly haunted? Over the years, paranormal investigators and visitors alike have reported unexplainable phenomena. Footsteps echo down empty hallways, faint whispers drift through the air and some visitors claim to feel cold chills in certain rooms despite the season. I didn't experience anything out of the ordinary while we were there and looking back at footage I took during the tour with little light orbs appearing on the video, I'm sure it was probably just reflections off the phone, but whether or which, it still made for a great experience and something a bit different.
One thing we did experience, which was quite strange, was the sound of a faint alarm, or what sounded like walkie-talkie interference going off by the building which would have been the old hospital. However, we were told that this part of the building didn't have an alarm, so what caused the noise? We were also told that in Room 11 of this building, paranormal investigators wouldn't go into it and a soldier who did, subsequently shot himself once he left it. What happens in Room 11 and what's it's history?
How to Plan Your Visit
The Spike Island After Dark tours are in high demand, especially around Halloween. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:
Booking: Reserve tickets in advance, as these tours often sell out quickly.
Timing: Tours typically start in the early evening and last approximately two and a half hours. Our boat to Spike Island left at 6 and returned back to Cobh at 8.35. Plan to arrive at Cork Harbour early, as the ferry to the island is included with the tour ticket.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces. Dress warmly, as the island can get chilly at night.
Age Restriction: Due to the content and intensity of the tours, they are for aged 16+
Why the Spike Island After Dark Tour is Unmissable
If you’re looking for a unique historical and paranormal experience, Spike Island’s After Dark tour is a great thing to do. Whether you’re there for the ghost stories, the history or simply the thrill, a night on Spike Island is one you’ll never forget. We really enjoyed it and would love to do it again in the future, where hopefully we might have a paranormal experience. I love that sort of thing!
