The cache is located close to Ronayne’s Island, a small
island in Killarney's Upper Lake named after Philip Ronayne, a man
who took up residence on the island in the eighteenth century after
he apparently became enraptured with the scenery during a visit to
Killarney.
The true identity of Philip Ronayne is unclear – some
accounts suggest that he was an English officer who fought at
Waterloo, however an alternative belief is that he was a famous
mathematician from Co. Cork (born 1683, died 1755) who was thought
to visit Killarney frequently for sporting purposes. Most
contemporary accounts appear to agree that he was of English origin
however.
Whatever the case, it is likely that he came from a privileged
background, travel largely being the preserve of the upper classes
during that era. In addition, some contemporary reports suggest
that he shared the island with a negro manservant for a time.
Once on the island he built a shack (although in some fanciful
engravings like the one above it is portrayed as a picturesque
cottage!) and lived a subsistence lifestyle, surviving by hunting,
fishing and growing a few vegetables. He is said to have jealously
guarded his privacy, vigorously driving off any curious people who
came to catch a glimpse of this ‘Robinson Crusoe’ type
character.
It is unclear what finally became of Ronayne, whether he
remained in the area for the rest of his days or whether he moved
on to begin a different chapter of his life elsewhere.
George Holmes, writing in “Sketches of Some of the
Southern Counties of Ireland” (1797) states:
“We landed on Roman’s [SIC] Island, where we
found a small cabin, built by the person from whom the island takes
its name: he was a singular character, and retired here to enjoy
the pleasures of his rod and gun. It is finely situated, commanding
a delightful prospect of the circumjacent hills, with the numerous
islands scattered over the lake”.
In J. Stirling Coyne’s 1842 book “The Scenery and
Antiquities of Ireland”, a passage reads:
“One of the largest of these (islands) is called
Ronayne’s Island, after a recluse who occupied it for some
years. He built himself a cottage on the rocks near the water, the
ruins of which are still visible, and avoiding all society,
employed himself wholly in reading, hunting and fishing. He became
exposed, of course, to the visits of curious people, and was on
such occasions exceedingly savage and morose; but his name is still
mentioned with respect and even admiration, at
Killarney”.
The Cache itself is just off the Kerry Way track, and involves a
walk of approximately 20-25 minutes one-way from the most
convenient car parking spot (the 'queens cottage' pull-in on the
N71 - limited parking. See additional waypoint). It is also
possible to cycle to a point very close to the cache (undulating
stony/gravel track, steep in places).
A 'cross-country' approach from the South is definitely
not recommended!
Note that after prolonged spells of heavy rain part of the Kerry
Way can become flooded, particularly to the west of the cache. With
a little planning this cache can be combined with a boat/bike trip
around the Lakes of Killarney and the Gap of Dunloe to link several
nearby caches.
On a sunny day (we do get them occasionally!) bring a picnic and
a camera and enjoy the scenery!