In the ruins of a shebeen at Brontë Homeland Picnic
Site, Knockiveagh
Chiefly in
Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Zimbabwe, a shebeen
(Irish: sibín) is an
illicit bar or club
where excisable alcoholic
beverages are sold without a licence. (
Wikipedia)
The site at Knockiveagh is an ideal place to
stop and see the rolling hills where Patrick
Brontë (father of the writers Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë) grew up. This
area has wonderful views of the Mourne Mountains and the drumlin
hills of Co Down. I can't say when the shebeen operated, but I'm
sure that Patrick Brontë wouldn't have indulged in illicit drinking
of alcoholic liquors, if it had been available in his time -
schurrly nott, hic!
When you're in the area, you could pick up the Wuthering Heights
cache and visit other Brontë related sites such as Alice McClory's
Cottage (N 54° 16.600 W 006°
13.424) and the Birthplace Cottage (N 54° 16.428 W 006° 13.632). Both sites (my
opinion) are disappointing, but the surrounding countryside on a
good day is just magical.
Dash 'n Grab best describes the cache as there is no long walk
required. Unfortunately the site is not wheelchair friendly. The
cache contains the usual log book, FTF badge, batteries, several
pens and goodies, a "Troll on a Rope" and some trading cards
donated by a local resident (thanks VID).