![]() In 1848 he was the first person to be convicted of sedition under the ‘Treason Felony Act’, a sentence created with him in mind. In order to silence Mitchel, to rob him of his heroic status and his possible martyrdom, the British government passed the 1848 Treason Felony Act, which sought to treat treason as a common crime. When Mitchel produced his own republican newspaper, the United Irishman, it sold out immediately and readers hung on every word. While the Times thundered against him which only seved to raise his profile further. Ireland simmered and was angry and ready for rebellion in the 1840’s and Britain was fearful that the rousing Mitchel could be the spark to light a revolutionary fire. London’s Punch magazine emphasised his international standing by portraying him as an Irish monkey, challenging the Great British Lion. He was an outspoken critic of British rule in Ireland, in particular the government’s lack of reaction to the Irish famine. He was a solicitor, an Irish nationalist activist and a political journalist. He became a leading member of both the ‘Young Irelander’ and the ‘Irish Confederation’ movements. Click the map pin icon to view the location on a map.įor more information about Spike Island, the tours available, to book a ticket online (recommended) and to see the ferry times, click the "More info" button.John Mitchel was born near Dungiven, County Derry in 1815. Cobh is located 23 km south east of Cork city and is accessible by car and train. Cars may park free of charge at the Cobh Heritage Center and at Cobh Cathedral. Spike Island is located in Cork Harbour, and is accessed by ferry from Cobh at the Kennedy pier. The ticket price includes the ferry there (and back!) 15 minutes each way, a one hour guided tour followed by time to explore on your own and use the café. Visits to Spike Island typically last about 3½ hours. ![]() Spike Island was named Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards in September 2017, so if you are visiting Ireland, be sure to add a Spike Island tour to your agenda. ![]() In 2009 ownership was transferred to Cork County Council so that it could be developed as a tourist attraction, and in 2015, tours from Cobh commenced. In the later part of the 20th century, it served as the location of a youth correctional facility. It was not until July 1938 that soverenty was ceded to Ireland.įollowing the handover to Ireland, Spike Island was used as a military base for the Irish Army, the FCA (army reserves) and the Navy. Thus, the Royal Navy still occupied Spike Island. The site still retains some heavy artillary guns on display for visitors to see.Īlthough the Irish Free State was founded in December 1922 following the Irish War of Independence and subsequent Anglo-Irish Treaty, Spike Island was retained by the British (under the Treaty Ports provision). During the 18th century it defended against possible attacks from France and Spain. History of Spike Islandīefore its use as a prison, it served as a military fortress (since the early 17th century). ![]() ![]() Its largest structure is Fort Mitchel, a 200 year old prison fortress, which once held over 2300 prisoners. It is an island of 42 hectares (103 acres). Today: An award winning must-see tourist attraction. From a 6th century monastery, to a fortress, to a prison. Spike Island: The island with many histories. ![]()
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