Secret Staircase Unearthed on Spike Island, Often Referred to as ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’

Spike Island, a star-shaped fortress off the southwest coast of Ireland, is often referred to as “Ireland’s Alcatraz.” Despite its picturesque exterior today, the island housed one of the world’s largest prison populations in the Victorian era. While pre-pandemic times saw an influx of tourists, the island’s history is marred by the suffering of over 1,000 prisoners who never left its confines.

Bioarchaeologist Barra O’Donnabhain embarked on an excavation journey in 2013 to delve into the mysteries buried on Spike Island, particularly in the convict graveyard. Over seven years, O’Donnabhain and his team uncovered chilling details about the prison island, including a gruesome procedure carried out on the corpses of deceased prisoners.

One of the most significant discoveries came in August 2020 when island manager John Crotty announced the finding of a secret stone spiral staircase dating back to the late 18th century. The staircase, hidden from historical records and plans, opened up possibilities for further exploration and hinted at the potential existence of similar structures in other parts of the island.

Spike Island’s history is multifaceted, beginning as a 6th-century monastic settlement and evolving into a British military base in the 18th century. It later became a depot for convicts awaiting transportation to penal colonies like Australia and Bermuda. The original fortress, built in the late 1700s, expanded in 1804 to accommodate the perceived threat of Napoleon’s forces.

The prison’s dark chapter unfolded during the Great Famine, leading to Spike Island becoming a crisis response facility. From 1847, the prison saw an influx of men and boys as young as 12, some sentenced for what would be considered trivial offenses today, such as stealing potatoes. By 1853, Spike Island housed around 2,500 prisoners, potentially making it the largest prison in the British Empire.

The prison conditions were dire, with overcrowded dormitories and harsh punishment blocks. Solitary confinement in the punishment block was described as “hell on Earth,” and over 1,000 prisoners were buried in mass unmarked graves.

O’Donnabhain’s excavation work focused on two graveyards, one holding prisoners who died before 1860 and another used from 1860 onward. The team uncovered 35 burials from the latter graveyard, showcasing a surprising element of care in how prisoners buried their peers. The discovery of meticulously painted pine coffins resembling oak coffins suggested a gesture of worth and respect among inmates.

Among the curious findings were skeletons with the tops of their skulls removed. O’Donnabhain speculated that this could be linked to a 19th-century study by Italian scientist Cesare Lombroso, who aimed to identify physical features of the “born criminal.” Lombroso’s theories have since been discredited, but the purpose behind the skull removal on Spike Island remains uncertain.

When the 19th-century prison closed in 1883, Spike Island resumed its military function before reopening as a prison from 1985 to 2004. Graffiti from modern prisoners documented on the walls revealed a continuity of social disadvantage, mirroring the conditions of the Victorian era.

Spike Island opened to the public in 2016, drawing tourists intrigued by its dark past. The island, once forbidden, continues to captivate people eager to explore the secrets behind its walls.

In essence, Spike Island’s excavation journey has unearthed not only physical remnants but also poignant glimpses into the lives and struggles of those who endured its tumultuous history.