Carnfunnock Country Park Series
9 # - Droagh Motte
This special motte was built in the late twelfth century and was used to control the surrounding land around Carnfunnock. From the watchtower the garrison had a commanding view over the Irish Sea and Coastal strip as well as towards the Antrim Plateau.
The motte is located within agricultural land so please follow the countryside code as livestock may be present.
More information can be found by taking some time out from your caching to read the notice board near the cache location.
The cache is a small slimline container. No room for pencil though so please ensure you have one.
The Series
This series of caches has been placed with kind permission from Larne Borough Council and Carnfunnock Country Park.
The original work in setting up the series was carried out by Critical Mass Inc. and has now been updated to coincide with an event run in the Park on Saturday 6th Aug 2011 - Introduce a Muggle Geocaching.
Background
'Carnfunnock Country Park is located on the Antrim coast road (A2), 3.5 miles north of Larne town.
It is packed full of exciting and unusual attractions to see and do, with over 191 hectares of mixed woodland, colourful gardens, walking trails and coastline, not forgetting its spectacular panoramic views of the Antrim Coast and North Channel.
The Park was originally part of the estate of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon and reverted to Larne Borough Council in 1957. Many of the original features remain, including the walled garden, the ice house and the lime kilns.
Carnfunnock has combined man-made attractions and entertainment with the splendour of its natural scenery in a way which is very special.'
Source: Carnfunnock Website
Parking
Parking is available on site, however there is a charge. This applies during pretty much all of the summer and weekends in winter. Those who do not wish to pay for parking; there are free car parks on the coast road, but there will be an extra walk up to the park.
Caches 9 - 12 can also be reached via the Ballygalley side. Access through a narrow road with parking for a couple of cars at the entrance to the woods. Aim for N54 53.549 W005 51.711 and follow the road up to the end. You will reach N54 53.663 W005 51.270.
Other Info
Please be aware that all the caches placed in the park have been placed with a view to cause as little disruption to the environment and its wildlife as possible. Many of the woodlands here are 'mature' and may be damaged by increased activity.
Also, the park can get very busy; finding and replacing the cache may be tricky while a large number of muggles are hovering about.
Please be subtle, and sneaky!