Building Ireland Season 2 Episode 1 Spike Island

Building Ireland season 2 episode 1 takes us to Spike Island, a former prison and military fortress located in Cork Harbor. The episode explores the complex history and architecture of the island, from its use as a monastic settlement in the 6th century to its transformation into a state of the art prison in the 19th century.

The show begins by introducing viewers to the island's early history, highlighting its role as a key strategic location during the Viking and Norman invasions. The episode also delves into the island's religious importance, examining the ruins of an ancient monastery and various churches that date back to the early Middle Ages. The show's presenters Marion Keane and Joe Mahon reveal how this rich history influenced the later development of the fortress and prison.

Moving forward in time, the show focuses on the construction of the island's most significant structure - the imposing fortress that was built in the 18th century to defend Cork Harbor. The presenters take viewers on a tour of the fortress, examining the impressive star-shaped design that was used to protect against incoming artillery fire. They also explore the various gun emplacements that were designed to rain down cannon fire on any enemy ships attempting to enter the harbor.

But it is the prison that sits on top of the fortress that is the focus of this episode. Constructed in the mid-19th century, the prison was designed to hold over 2,000 prisoners, making it one of the largest in Europe. The presenters speak to various experts and historians to uncover the story of how the prison came to exist, the conditions that inmates lived in, and the difficult life that prison staff led.

The show takes us inside the prison for a behind-the-scenes exploration of the cells and exercise yards that would have been home to thousands of inmates. The presenters reveal how inmates were categorized based on the severity of their crimes and the various punishments that could be handed out for disobedience. They also examine the role that the prison played in suppressing the Fenian rebellion in the late 19th century, shining a light on the political tensions that existed in Ireland at this time.

Throughout the episode, the presenters highlight the innovative architecture and technology that was used in the construction of the prison and fortress. They reveal how the design of the prison was intended to balance security and safety for staff and inmates while adhering to the latest thinking in prison design at the time.

The episode is also rich in anecdotes and insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked on Spike Island. The presenters speak to former staff members and relatives of inmates to uncover the human stories behind the island's history. We learn about the daring escapes of some of the most high-profile prisoners and the life of the prison guards who lived on the island with their families.

Building Ireland season 2 episode 1 is a captivating exploration of a fascinating location in Irish history. The presenters provide a well-researched and balanced account of the island's complex past, revealing the political, social, and economic forces that shaped this iconic structure. With a mix of expert interviews and on-location explorations, this episode is a must-see for anyone interested in Ireland's architectural heritage.