Knockdrum Stone Fort Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Small cache located near one of west cork's best kept secrets. The unsignposted Bronze age stone fort at Knockdrum near Castletownshend.
The fort, a national monument, has stunning views of the West Cork Coast and the Kerry Mountains in the distance. Access is via a public right of way and steps cut into the hillside
From Skibbereen take the R596 towards Castletownshend, after 5 kilometres you will see a school on your left and a church on your right, drive 500 metres past the church till you see a gateway on your right with a signpost for Skibbereen & Union Hall.
There is limited parking at this gateway. A track leads past the gate for 300 metres to the steps leading to the fort on the Hill.
Alternative parking is avalable at the nearby Church & School
The Fort itself is a hill-top circular stone structure dating origionally most likely from the Bronze age. (2000 BC)
Approximately 29 metres in diameter the fort has thick walls some 3 metres wide and standing almost 2 metres high. Access to the fort is through a narrow entrance on the north eastern side of the walls, as you enter there is a small guard chamber to the right and once inside the fort immediately to your left is a pillar stone, this stone has a deeply incised greek cross on the northern side and a narrow cross on the southern side. Inside the fort is the remains of a rectangular building, in one corners is a souterrain, locked by an iron gate, it has a stone linteled roof and is rock-cut.
Outside the entrance is a flat boulder over 1.5 metres in length and more than 1.2 metres wide, the boulder is decorated with between 30 to forty cup-marks. The fort was partially restored some time before 1860 by a local landlord. To the north, accross the main road, one can see a stone row known locally as the five fingers. Only three fingers remain standing.
The Cache itself is a small plastic food container with a logbook, pen, and some small toys. Please be sure to replace cache carefully and close the gate as you enter and leave the track to the Fort.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Fgbarf bccbfvgr obggbz bs fgnvejnl
Treasures
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