Spike Island (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Spike Island?
School-age children love quiz maps, spooky cells and gun parks, and paths are stroller-wide, yet open ramparts, long outdoor stretches and changeable weather demand vigilant supervision and spare clothing.
Positives:
- Family-friendly tours: Guides use engaging stories and artifacts to keep kids interested.
- Easy access: Ferry ride and paved paths suit strollers and young children.
Challenges:
- Ferry schedule: Limited daily sailings require booking specific time slots in advance.
- Uneven surfaces: Some tunnels and cobblestones may challenge strollers and little legs.
What is Spike Island?
- An island fortress in Cork Harbour that began as a 6th-century monastic settlement and evolved into a British military prison
- A star-shaped 19th-century fort with bastioned walls, ramparts and a dry moat commanding one of the world’s largest natural harbors
- A heritage site preserving medieval ecclesiastical ruins, Napoleonic-era batteries and Victorian prison blocks within its coastal defenses
What is so special about Spike Island for with kids?
- Ride the 12-minute ferry from Cobh and watch for harbour wildlife.
- Engage kids with the Fairy Fortress map and quiz trail.
- Enjoy the 45-minute family-friendly fortress tour with spooky highlights.
- Explore the paved Glacis trail and secret tunnels on stroller-friendly paths.
- Build sandcastles and picnic on the island’s sandy beach.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days
Why 1-2 days visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the ferry, guided tours, quiz trail, beach play and a relaxed café break.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Spike Island
Scenic ferry crossing:
Take the 12-minute ferry from Cobh to Spike Island across Cork Harbour.
Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early; sit at the bow for best seal and dolphin views.
Fairy Fortress map & quiz trail:
Pick up the child-friendly map and 3.5-hour history quiz at arrival.
Tip: Bring pencils and a small bag for quiz papers; reward kids with treats at the café.
Family-friendly guided fortress tour:
Join the 45-minute tour that highlights spooky cells and hidden passageways.
Tip: Book the first tour of the day for cooler temperatures and smaller groups.
Short Glacis walking trail:
Walk the 20-minute paved loop around the fort walls.
Tip: Use the stroller-friendly path; carry water and sun protection for kids.
Beach play & picnic:
Relax on the small sandy beach for sandcastle building and snacks.
Tip: Bring picnic gear and beach toys; check tide times to avoid high water.
When is the best time to visit Spike Island (Cork, Ireland)?
From May to September, pack sun hats, swimwear and snacks for beach time. In October, book the Spookfest Halloween tour with costumes and a free trick-or-treat map.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Spike Island (Cork)
Alan Hanks
A great morning out ,with a trio across by ferry to the island, reasonably priced, very informative about the history of the island and its firmer uses, however I was a bit disappointed that the history of the Irish Denence Forces use and military presence on the island from 1938 up to the 1982 when it became a civilian prison seems to have been airbrushed out of the official history given by our ...
Tom Hallahan
Great place to wile away an afternoon. Boat trip over and back from Cobh (about 10 mins each way ) and a 40 min tour guide included for about 25 euro per adult. Small cafe on site. bring a picnic, have a beer, walk, chill on the grass, however you want to spend your afternoon. It’s wheelchair accessible for the most part and just so well kept - good walking trek for Trekkies and for Irish history ...
albert pierzak
Nice trip filled with information. Just enough time to walk through the main routes. Very limited food options so taking your own is recommended. Overall clean and safe.
Russel Gonzales
Visiting Spike Island is a highly recommended activity. The narrative will captivate your attention. Lorraine, our tour guide, provides an excellent explanation of the island's rich history.
Aristo Jose
Great place to visit. 15 minutes by ferry from cobh. Better to pay and park near cobh church . It takes around 4 hours to cover the island. There is a toilet and a small cafeteria on the island. Before going check the weather if it's raining you can't enjoy the island
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult island admission (with ferry) | EUR 55.9 |
| 2 child island admission (ages 5-16) | EUR 35.9 |
| Café snacks and drinks | EUR 20 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 111.8 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Spike Island
- Book tours early: Reserve the morning guided fortress tour to avoid afternoon crowds and heat.
- Download the AR app: Install the free Spike Island AR app before you board to avoid island Wi-Fi limits.
Map of Spike Island
Address: Spike Island, Co. Cork, Ireland
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