Ireland’s Alcatraz: Spike Island in Cork

The former fort and notorious prison in Cork harbour, once known as ‘Hell on Earth’, has become an award-winning attraction We disembarked at the long pier and walked to the star-shaped fort along a steep, twisting path. The smooth slopes rising up to the formidable ramparts and entrance gate, we are told by our guide, form a glacis, a feat of military engineering that leaves attackers exposed and makes defence far easier.On this cold, clear day, with a low afternoon sun casting soft