Spike Island, in Cork Harbour , has launched its newest exhibition "Entwined History: Revealing Spike Island’s Forts," commemorating the 220th anniversary of Fort Westmoreland’s foundation. The exhibition, running from July 2024, showcases the architectural plans and historical artifacts associated with the island’s rich military past. Originally the site of a 7th century monastic settlement, Spike Island has served as both a prison and a military fortress due to its strategic location.
Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish! Each year, Spike Island’s annual exhibition reflects on the island's rich history, heritage, and people and this year’s exhibition showcases the island’s significance and strategic location within Cork Harbour. Constructed in response to increasing threats during the late 18th century, Fort Westmoreland - now Fort Mitchel - was a formidable structure armed with 60 guns and designed to defend Cork Harbour. Despite its initial strategic importance, the fort's construction was halted after Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, leaving many structures unfinished until The Great Famine when Spike Island became a convict depot for prisoners awaiting transportation.
Speaking ahead of the exhibition's launch, Spike Island’s Museum Curator Dorota Gubbins said: “We are thrilled to present 'Entwined History,' which marks the 220th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for Fort Westmoreland, now known as Fort.
