According to local legend, the last Viking invader to Ireland
(more info on Vikings here) is
buried nearby - along with a gold hoard! The cache is a small
lunchbox containing a log book, pencil, a disposable camera and a
few trinkets. Not quite as valuable as a stash of gold, but a lot
less hassle to find!
To reach the Black Valley, take the N71 out of
Killarney towards Kenmare. On the way, stop at Ladies View (N51°
58.073' W9° 35.665') overlooking the Lakes of Killarney. On a clear
day, the views are well worth the short stopover. There is also a
coffee shop and barhere for added comfort - though only open during
the summer months.
Continue along the N71 until you reach Molls Gap
(N51° 56.316' W9° 39.464), where there is a shop selling woollen
garments and other touristy items. From Moll's Gap, take the R568
towards Sneem and, after about 1km, take the road to the right.
There is a 2.5km descent to a T-junction where you take a right.
7.5km further on, take the left at another T-junction.
Though it is easy to drive to the cache, I would
recommend leaving the car at the church (N51° 59.204' W9° 39.285')
and walking the rest of the way. It's a lovely 2km walk and you can
then claim to have walked a piece of the Kerry Way!
The cache should be very easy to find as there were
not too many alternative hiding places in the area. The surrounding
fields are privately owned and therefore fenced off. The valley
rising to the northwest holds some of the remains of an American
Douglas Dakota C47 which hit the ridge in December 1943 and the
cliffs facing east by the waterfall mark the burial place of the
Viking - along with his golden treasure!
After locating the cache, perhaps continue the loop
back to Killarney by taking the right after the church where
(hopefully!) you parked. This will bring you through the Gap of
Dunloe, famous for its scenery and tranquil settings. Watch out for
jarveys (horse-drawn carriages) and walkers out in their droves in
the height of the tourist season. Also, whilst in the area, take
time out to grab the
Dutch 4 cache.