If you’re down in Cork, or in Ireland for that matter, it’s well worth a visit. The prison would finally closed its doors in 2004.īut Spike Island, with all its history and ideal location in Cork Harbour, would inevitably go through one final reinvention.įollowing a €5.5 million upgrade and enhancement project, Spike Island reopened in June and is now an increasingly popular historical tourist attraction with tours departing from Cobh bringing tourists to explore the fort and its fascinating history. The Gardaí eventually were able to land in force and end the riot. Rioting prisoners armed themselves with slash-hooks and knives and took control of the pier. Trouble broke out when the few officers on duty were quickly overpowered as Block A, one of the accommodation blocks, caught fire and was destroyed. And not one with an unblemished record. Perhaps the most well known incident to occur under this incarnation of the island was the riot of 1st September 1985. The island would remain a military base and prison under Irish rule. After the prison closed the island reverted to being used as a military base. From 1847 to it’s closure in 1883 thousands were imprisoned on the island. ![]() It was used as a convict depot, used to house prisoners before they were deported to Australia.Īs the country starved homelessness and poverty increased and crime and unrest was rapid. The island was a site for holding prisoners back to Cromwell’s time but it was in at the height of the Great Famine in 1847 Spike Island became a full scale prison. It is however best known for being an island prison, earning it the name “Ireland’s Alcatraz”. In the 18th century the famous star fort that remains standing today was built, and it dominates much of the island. It was then a strategic location used for defensive and military purposes and down through the years many different types of fortifications have been built here. The earliest evidence of occupation of the island dates back to the 7th century when a monastery was founded by Saint Mochuada. Our nearest rum running island is only a short drive from our coastal location in Waterford, in the next-door county of Cork. Many postgraduate art and design students are entitled to free membership of this programme, providing a valuable network that supports emerging creative practitioners.Įach year, Spike Island’s Fellowships programme awards three UWE Bristol fine art graduates a funded studio, career mentoring and other professional opportunities.The easy to identify star fort dominates the islandĪnd while it’s a relatively small island lying at the entrance to Cork Harbour, it has a big history. Supported by UWE Bristol, Spike Island Associates includes members such as students, graduates holding funded bursaries, and many alumni. Spike Island directly supports artists through commissioning new artwork, hosting over 70 subsidised artists’ studios, and running a sector-leading artist development programme, Spike Island Associates. UWE Bristol and Spike Island are two of nine organisations in the consortium the West of England Visual Arts Alliance (WEVAA), boosting opportunities across our region. Spike Island’s team, as well as numerous practising artists based in the artists’ studios, contribute to teaching and mentoring on UWE Bristol’s Fine Art and Curating courses. ![]() Our partnership focuses on providing excellent professional development opportunities for creative industries in the South West, including our art and curating students and graduates.
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