Ecclesiastical site in Spike Island

According to Hurley (1980, 63), Spike island is 'identifiable with the early ecclesiastical site of Inispicht' (see also Coleman 1893, 1-8; Lynch 1912,162-4; J.C.Q. 1936, 47-8; Bolster 1972, XLI), of which there are no visible surface traces; map of 1625 appears to show ruined church on island (Hayes-McCoy 1964, plate 21) but none shown on Vallancey's map (MacCarthy ibid), nor does the latter show any remains of castle/tower house shown on 1587 map (Hayes-McCoy ibid., 25, plate 15). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

A local church or high cross; wider significance not recorded.