First to Find Certificate included in the container.
The location:
Kilmashogue Recreation Site is situated in the Dublin Mountains. Kilmashogue offers up to 10 km of mountain and forest walks with some spectacular views of Dublin City. A very pleasant walk through the plantation of conifers starts in the car park and heads up the Kilmashogue Mountain with magnificent panoramas of Dublin Bay, Dublin City and the surrounding countryside.
Kilmashogue forest has a good population of Sika deer, hares, rabbits and foxes. Many different species of birds can be also found. The most common tree species are Sitka spruce, Scots pine and beech. The area has undergone big changes over the last few years mainly due to tree harvesting and to the fact that land has been sold off by Coillte.
The difficulty of walking paths is moderate with the main forest road easily accessible for children and people with a lower level of fitness. However, when taking the yellow marked Wicklow Way, parts of which are strenuous for the walker/hiker, and venturing into the hills, visitors are advised to be equipped with waterproof clothing, strong shoes, a drink and a map or a compass.
The forest is managed and maintained by Coillte and the cache is placed in line with the “Leave no Trace” principle.
How to get there:
We usually park at N 53˚ 15.502 W 006˚ 16.600 where there is room for around 30 cars. Approaching along College Road from Dundrum/Sandyford, or Whitechurch Road from Rathfarnham, pass under the M50 at Kilmashogue Bridge. A left turn at the roundabout will take you up Kilmashogue Lane. After 1 km turn left and enter the car park.
Shortest walk to get to this one is from Ticknock car park at N 53˚ 15.221 W 006˚ 14.798 Approaching along Harolds Grange Road, turn up Ticknock Road. After 1 km turn left into the car park. Closing times are displayed as you enter the site.
The cache:
The cache is hidden along the route we very often walk with our dog Bonnie. This part of the walk is easier accessed from Ticknock Recreational Site, but we usually walk from Kilmashogue Car Par. Due to its proximity to the city, it is a walk that doesn’t require too many preparations. We often go after work when the days get longer. It is of course possible to make the walk as long as you wish. Bonnie is now 9 years old and still loves the freedom of the mountains.
Although Kilmashogue car park never closes, it is advisable to attempt this during day light hours only. The closing times of Ticknock Car Park are displayed at the entrance.
The cache is a regular sized container and is hidden just off the main path. Please ensure to rehide it well to avoid it being discovered unintentionally.