Albert Lock and Jamestown Canal Multi-Cache
Cuilcagh: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache, I am archiving it.
Regards,
Eileen
Cuilcagh - Volunteer Reviewer Ireland
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Albert Lock and Jamestown Canal
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Go for an easy 2km walk along Jamestown Canal and visit the picturesque Albert Lock where you can watch the boats go through. This cache can also be done as a drive-in but I recommend the walk.
Please go to Albert Lock during daylight hours. The lock keeper lives there and we don’t want to disturb his privacy. In the summer, the lock operates until 8pm (Sundays 6pm).
Park at approx. N 53 54.733, W 008 01.058. (By the way, across from this parking area you can see the disused Coralara railway station).
Go to N 53 54.624, W 008 00.084 and look around. It’s in black and white.
How many words are in the 2nd line? Answer = A
How many letters are in the 1st word of the 2nd line? Answer = B
Now, turn to approx. N 53 54.631, W 008 00.101 and find a red and white thing with several holes in it. What year is written on it? Add up the 4 digits of the year and let the total be X. Let the second digit of the total be Y.
Go to the final at N 53 54.B(X+13), W 008 0Y.(A-2)(X+11)
where you will find a rectangular plastic container wrapped in a black cloth bag.
Please be careful and watch your children when close to the water.
Historical info:
The Canal known as “The Jamestown Cut” was originally constructed by the Commissioners of Inland Navigation in 1775 and is 1.7miles long. Initially it was very narrow with two S-bends, dangerous and shallow. After an inspection of the canal in 1794, repairs were recommended. But progress on the necessary modifications to the Canal was slow. It was not until the 1840’s that the canal as we know it today was made satisfactorily navigable. At first the canal was constructed in the dry using steam and horse driven pumps. More than half of the canal’s length is through rock which was removed by blasting with gun powder. Great difficulties were encountered in the reaches downstream of Corlara bridge where the canal is cut through peat and soft clay. Rock had to be placed on the canal bed to prevent upheaval.
The average number of people employed on the scheme was 313. Many of them walked miles to earn a few pence a day which just about kept them alive during famine times. Many others were unable to undertake the long trek and slept in impoverished tents.
A new lock called Albert Lock, named after the husband of Queen Victoria, was constructed in 1848. The timber for the gates was imported specially from South America. The amounts of water kept back from the Jamestown end of the lock is 6feet.
Practically every known commodity was carried on the Shannon and on the canal from Limerick to Carrick. Today, it carries cruisers and holiday-makers from all parts of the world. At the moment (2007) the cost per boat is 1,50 Euro.
The Burke family has been the lock keeper for 4 generations. They have received many awards and are well liked for their friendly service and beautiful decorative surrounds.
(Most of the info was taken from “A history of Drumsna and its environs” by T. Ward)
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
qba'g jngpu gur tenff tebj
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