As part of my ongoing attempt to attract geocachers to North Kerry
(South Kerry gets way too much of the limelight!), I have placed
this cache on Kerry Head, with its impressive views across Tralee
Bay to the south and the Shannon Estuary to the north.
The North
Kerry Way is the least known of the three main walking tracks
in County Kerry. While it may not have the wild rugged
characteristics of its siblings (the Kerry Way and the Dingle Way),
it may appeal to those of a less energetic nature (the highest
point is 217m above sea level) who still want to enjoy the sights
of Ireland's most scenic county.
The North Kerry Way consists of 5 sections, starting in Tralee
and ending in Ballyheigue.
The cache is located along Section 4 - Ballyheigue to Glenderry.
Click on the above link for information and a map.
To reach Ballyheigue, take the R551 from Tralee, passing through
the village of Ardfert. Take a left turn into Ballyheigue, drive
down the main street and there is parking available to the right
outside the castle gates (N52° 23.387' W9° 50.105').
This is the start of the walk. A lot of the route is along the
roads but, where it is off-road, it is made obvious by either
yellow paint on rocks or specific markers along the way. The path
is very uneven and can be muddy in places, so sturdy waterproof
boots are required, even in summer.
The cache is located on Maulin Mountain, approximately 200m from
the stile (N52° 24.816' W9° 51.831'). This 200m however involves a
trek through gorse and shorts are not recommended. Watch your
footing too as the ground is strewn with hidden dips (most of which
are full of water!).
The cache is a small plastic lunchbox and it should be an easy
find. Be careful retrieving and replacing it though so as to not
make it too obvious for others.
After logging your visit, look over the nearby stone wall into
the adjoining field. There you will see a ridge or "spine" running
along the ground towards the stone cairn in the distance -
hopefully it will be a clear day. This is "An Claí Rua" ("The Red
Ditch") which is believed to have been either a territorial
boundary or an ancient roadway leading all the way to Limerick.
After returning to the stile, continue your journey along the
route to the top of the mountain. On a clear day you will see Loop
Head (with its lighthouse) in County Clare to the north. This marks
the end of the Shannon, the longest river in Ireland (or the UK) at
386km. To the south you will see Banna Beach, the Maharees and the
mighty Mount Brandon.
After the descent, you can either head back to Ballyheigue or
continue on with Section 5 of the North Kerry Way and complete a
"figure of eight" before returning to Ballyheigue. Whatever you
decide, make sure to have a well-deserved pint when you finish!
For those who prefer a "cache and dash" - though you will still
need about an hour! - when approaching Ballyheigue on the R551 from
Tralee, instead of turning left into the village, continue straight
and take the left turn signed "BALLYDUFF COAST ROAD". Continue on
this road (watch out for walkers!) for 2km and take the left bend
at the crossroads. Keep driving for another 1km and stop when you
see the sign for "TOBAR NA SÚL/St. Dahillan's Well". There is an
old house on the right hand side where you can park (N52° 25.198'
W9° 51.286'). With the sea to your back, head up the dirt track,
take a right after the last house and follow the markers from
there.
While in the area, take time out to see St. Dahillan's Well
(N52° 25.469' W9° 51.617'), which is set in a peaceful garden. The
water is said to cure the blind if their eyes are bathed in it. If
you cross the stream and walk up the hill, you will see the remains
of St. Dahillan's Church (N52° 25.451' W9° 51.699') which dates
from the 8th century.