SPIKE ISLAND

SPIKE ISLAND, in the parish of TEMPLEROBIN, barony of BARRYMORE, county of CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 1 ½ mile (S.) from Cove, in the harbour of Cork; containing 205 inhabitants. This island is situated in the middle of Cork harbour, and acts as a natural breakwater, preserving the bay within perfectly smooth, while that portion of it which is without is very much agitated. It comprises 180 acres of fertile land, which, previously to its occupation by Government, in 1811, as an Ordnance depot for the south of Ireland, afforded good pasturage, but was uninhabited. The substratum is, on one side, a compact dove-coloured limestone, and on the other a clay-slate, uniting with the former in a remarkable manner.

On the high ground in the centre are extensive artillery barracks; on the western side is a large and handsome military hospital; forts, bombproof, have been constructed to defend the entrance of the harbour, and around the shores are several houses occupied by persons connected with the establishment. The principal entrance is on the north, where is a commodious pier, with a water-gate, near which are three small towers, with apartments for the gate-keeper, sentinel, and others; the battery is very strong and well mounted, and is the only salute battery on the southern coast. The barracks are frequently used by regiments under orders for foreign service when waiting for the arrival of transports or detained by contrary winds; and detachments are sent hence to Hawlbowling island, and Carlisle and Camden forts. The only place of worship is the chapel of the garrison.

In the R. C. divisions it forms part of the district of Monkstown, in the diocese of Cork.