Coney Island Cache / Lough Neagh Traditional Cache
Coney Island Cache / Lough Neagh
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Coney Island lies 1km offshore from Maghery Country Park and is the only remaining inhabited island on Lough Neagh. It is a thickly wooded island of nearly 9 acres. It was given to the National Trust in 1946 by Mr. Fred Storey. It has a rich history including a visit by St Patrick and is considered to be one of the most westerly outposts of the Normans after their arrival in Ulster.
There are footpaths around the shore of the island with lots of interesting things to see. The island has picnic tables and BBQ areas. Boat trips to Coney Island are available by arrangement.
For further information, contact:
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Lurgan, Craigavon Co Armagh BT66 6NJ
Tel: 028 3832 2205
Excavations carried out in 1962-63 revealed that there was a settlement on the island in Neolithic times which lasted in to the Bronze Age. Coney Island is a natural island unlike many in Lough Neagh which are crannogs or artificial islands. The island was connected to the mainland by a causeway or submerged ridge, which can be easily seen in summer as it is then under less than two feet of water. The causeway is known locally as St. Patrick's Road, as the saint was said to have used the island as a place of retreat.
Things to see on the Island
St. Patrick's Stone
This is traditionally the spot where St. Patrick rested when he visited the island in the 5th century. He supposedly walked to the island by using a ford called St. Patrick's Road which stretched from the mainland. The ford was removed during the last century to help barge navigation on the Lough.
Anglo-Norman Motte
This was built as a defensive stronghold during the 13th century and is one of the most westerly Anglo-Norman outposts in Ulster. During the 16th and 17th centuries Coney Island was used as a penal colony and condemned prisoners were supposedly beheaded on this mound.
Coney Cottage -
The cottage was built in 1895 as a summer retreat for Lord Charlemont. Recently renovated, it is now the private home of the island's warden. The ruins behind the island are thought to have been the servant's quarters.
The Island's Wildlife -
The Island boasts a rich variety of wildlife both native and introduced. There is a good variety of trees including horse chestnut, beech, oak, Scots Pine, sycamore, willow and alder. There is a heronry in the taller tress and around the shores a variety of wildfowl nest in the reeds and undergrowth. Pheasants and domestic fowl were introduced several years ago and now range freely through the woodlands and grassy areas. Coney is also notable for its variety of bats which include Leisler's Bat, Baubenton's bat and two distinct species of Pipistrelle. The bats feed on the huge number of flies and midges which are found over the water and in the woodlands at dusk.
If you are setting out to the island using your own boat you can launch from Kinnego Marina, some details about the Marina and Surrounding Nature reserve.
Kinnego Marina
A mix of accommodation is available at Kinnego Marina which offers the visitor good facilities along with a central location for outdoor leisure activities.
Kinnego Caravan and Camping Park
This fully serviced site is adjacent to the marina with a modern shower and laundry block. It has ten touring caravan pitches with electric hook-up and can accommodate up to thirty tents.
Excellent shopping is available close by in Lurgan only two miles away. the Parks' location just off the M1 means it is ideal for those wishing to sample the outdoor life in the heart of Northern Ireland.
Situated on Lough Neagh on the edge of the Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Kinnego Marina is a magnificent rural setting of beauty and tranquillity, giving striking views over the Lough and the distant hills of Tyrone and Antrim.
Marina OPENING TIMES
April - September: 9.00am - 9.00pm
October - March: 9.00am - 5.00pm
For further details contact:
Tel 028 3832 757 email: kinnego.marina@craigavon.gov.uk
The Cache is a small plastic container with log and pencil, it has a variety of bits and pieces to take or exchange. Enjoy the island.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Unir n erfg
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures