Ferry and visit to Spike Island, the prison island in Cork Harbour

Fifteen minutes by ferry from Kennedy Pier and you reach an island in the middle of the harbour crowned by Fort Mitchel, begun in 1779. It was a monastery in the 7th century, then a fortress and a prison: it opened in 1847, held more than 2,300 prisoners at its peak and was used as a jail again from 1985 to 2004. You can explore the fort and the old prison, with a guide or on your own, and the five-kilometre Ring of Spike trail goes around the island with views of Cobh.

Allow three and a half to four hours including the boat. Entry with the ferry costs €27.95 (family, €74.95). There is a café and a shop on the island. Book on their website: in summer the boats fill up, and in winter there are fewer sailings.