Old Walls Multi-Cache
Croaghan: Hi,
There has been no response from the cache owner so I'm Archiving this cache.
In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to reactivate it. If you wish to do so please contact me via my profile and quote the cache name and GC Code for the cache so I know which one you are referring to.
If you are sending me an email through my profile please make sure you tick the box to send a copy of your email address. If you don't then I won't be able to reply.
Please be aware that reactivation is not guaranteed and will depend on individual circumstances.
Many thanks,
Niall
Croaghan - Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching HQ (Ireland)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache brings you to Roche Castle a few miles northwest of the town of Dundalk on the Louth/Armagh border
Still known by its simple Norman-French name of Roche, this impressive castle clings dramatically to the summit of a great rocky outcrop. Striking and powerful, it commands a pass northwards and affords wonderful views over the surrounding country. According to the Close Rolls of 1236, it was raised by Lady Rohesia de Vernon, whose grandfather came to Ireland with Prince John in 1185. There is a tale that she promised herself in marriage to the architect if he completed the job to her satisfaction, but when he came to claim her hand, she had him cast from one of the windows in the west end - still popularly known as the "Murder Window".
Roche's peculiar triangular layout, determined by the shape of the rock, comprises a large entrance enclosure with a twin-towered gatehouse linked to the very considerable Great Hall. A causeway gives access to the entrance across a rock-cut ditch, in the centre of which was a gap with drawbridge protected by a barbican.
The large rectangular hall must have been an impressive building in its heyday. Its main chamber, lit on the south side by three large windows, was so enormous that the basement must have had timber subdividing to support the floor. The east gabled wall survives with some traces of the old roof line and indications of a third storey. A small rectangular building on the north side of the hall is a later addition, while the remains of a free-standing rectangular structure in the ward centre may also be a later feature
The cache; this is a four stage multi which gives the finder ample opportunity to explore this magnificent structure. Keeping with the guidelines, while all waypoints are within the site, there is no physical container of any type within the walls of the castle building.
I agonised for ages over the D/T rating for this one so I hope the 4/3 given reflects the experience.
Stage One, the given coordinates will bring you to the main entrance of the castle. Just inside the door you will find an information board from which you will need the following information;
The year of the death of Lady Verdun's son John. Call this ABCD
The approximate date the castle was said to have been built. Call the last two digits EF
Stage 2, Go to N54 02.C(B+C+F)E W006 29.ED(E-B)Here you will find information which you will need once you find the cache
Stage 3, Go to N54 02.(A+D+E)CF W006 29.BCE. Here you will find the coordinates for the final location. Please replace the information exactly as you find it.
Stage 4, This is the final location where you will find the cache. The Cache is located at the coordinates you found at Stage 3. You will also need the code from stage 2 to access the log. The cache is a metal container inside a plastic tupperware container. Please secure both fully. This is particularly necessary to protect the metal container from the elements.
When it was placed the cache contained a log, a pen and a new geocoin as a ftf prize and some small swaps.
While I hope everyone enjoys their visit to Roche can potential finders please note the following,
1: the ground is normally solid enough but can be muddy after a rainy spell so hiking boots are definitely recommended
2: there is nearly always sheep and/or cattle at the site so can everyone please ensure all gates are closed and dogs are left at home
3: the terrain setting reflects the fact that there are some very steep hills around the castle which are quite loose underfoot, there is also a couple of cliff faces and other fall hazards. Extreme caution should be exercised at all times particularly with younger cachers
4: parking is extremely limited in this area (the cache was placed using a bicycle) there is one very small space directly across from the entrance to the site but park here at your own discretion, the road is very narrow and frequently has tractors and HGVs using it
5: this cache is definitely not designed as an easy find, the information contained at stages 2 and 3 are non traditional (no containers) Some thinking outside te box is definitely required
This cache replaces an old cache of the same name by user Hennes, Can finders of the old cache please note that the cache is NOT in the same location as the last one
CONGRATULATIONS TO MEDIC143 AND FREAKYCAT ON THE FTF
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fgntr 2, guvf gerr frrzf gb tebj bhg bs gur ebpx
Fgntr 3, evtug fgvyr
Fgntr 4, ybbx hc