Unearthing History: The Discovery of a Stone Spiral Staircase on Spike Island

Excavation work on Spike Island, situated off the coast of Cobh in County Cork, Ireland, has unveiled a previously unknown stone spiral staircase believed to date back to the 1790s. This remarkable discovery adds to the rich historical tapestry of the island, which housed a former monastic settlement in the 17th-century and became crucial for the port’s defenses.

A Glimpse into the Past

The low-lying island played a pivotal role in military fortifications during the 18th and 19th centuries. Notably, it was utilized as a prison during the potato famine and throughout the Irish War of Independence, earning the nickname “Ireland’s Alcatraz.”

The Surprise Find

While the island’s heritage team was aware of a tunnel linking the inner fortress to the outer moat, the discovery of the stone staircase was unexpected. It is believed to be part of the original 10-acre British fortress built on Spike Island.

The fortress’ tunnel and staircase initially led to the tops of walls but fell out of use after the structure was enlarged. Today, at 24 acres, it stands as one of the largest military structures globally. During the investigation, the team also found large animal bones and half-filled wine bottles that are currently being dated.

UCC archaeologist Barra O’Donnabhain, who has participated in numerous digs on Spike Island over the past seven years, expressed amazement at these findings. “We have reviewed the original fort plans many times as part of our research, and it is incredible that this amazing find was unknown to us just waiting to be discovered. The 1804 plans and later drawings make no reference to the staircase, so it truly was a pleasant shock to see this door leading off the chamber and beautiful stonework,” he stated.

Plans for the Future

The unexpected find was made by the island’s maintenance and heritage teams. As Cork County Council continues to enhance the site, the island aims to increase its visitor numbers, which saw significant interest since its opening to the public in 2016.

“This stunning discovery brings to light numerous fascinating details. The exquisite craftsmanship indicates highly skilled stone cutters participated in constructing defenses for Cork Harbour in the late 1700s. The staircase also highlights that the original 1790 fort on Spike Island was incorporated into the significantly larger fort established in 1804 to counter potential invasions by Napoleon. The wine bottles found at the staircase’s base imply that soldiers may have slipped away for a quick drink during work hours, as they left much of the wine unfinished,” stated John Crotty, Manager at Spike Island.

More information on Spike Island is available at the official website.