Carrigaholt Castle Traditional Cache
Cuilcagh: The cache owner is not responding to issues with this geocache, so I must regretfully archive it.
Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.
Cuilcagh - Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching HQ (Ireland)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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On the outer pier of Carragaholt Co Clare, you will find Carrighaolt Castle where the cache is located,You do not need to attempt to climb the castle the Cache is located on the ground and the terrain is grass.
Carrigaholt Castle was built in about 1480 by the McMahons, chiefs of the Corcabascin Peninsula. It stands at the end of a fishing pier overlooking the Shannon Estuary and the harbour. This is a tall, well-preserved five storey tower house. It has a fiery and colourful history which would fill volumes.
The castle was occupied by Teige Caech "the short sighted" McMahon in September 1588 when seven ships of the Spanish Armada anchored at Carrigaholt. Although aid was refused by the McMahons (who are descendants of Mathgamain mac Cennétig), the castle was nonetheless unsuccessfully besieged shortly afterwards by Sir Conyers Clifford (Governor of Connaught). The following year the renegade fourth Earl of Thomond (Donagh O'Brien) captured it after a four-day siege and, in breach of the surrender terms, hanged all the defenders. Ownership then passed to the Earl's brother Donal O'Brien, who was responsible for inserting many of the castle's windows as well as the fireplace on the fifth floor, which bears the date 1603. Donal's grandson was the celebrated third Viscount Clare who resided at Carrigaholt and raised a regiment of horses known as the "Yellow Dragoons" for the House of Stuart King James II of England's armies. After the forfeiture of his extensive 230 km2 (57,000-acre) estate by the Williamites, the castle was acquired by the Burton family.
All that remains today is a shell of its former nobility. The Burton Family were the last inhabitants and left it in the late 19th century.
It should be noted parking is not permitted on the pier but can be found a very short distance from the castle. The site is approx 20 minute walk from Carrigaholt Town.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx sbe gur cvyr bs fgbarf nqwnprag gb gur jrfg fvqr bs gur znva pnfgyr.
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