Skip to content

Silken Thomas Yew Tree Multi-Cache

This cache has been archived.

penDRAG0N: Cache is gone. Thanks to all finders

More
Hidden : 8/5/2012
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

According to Aubrey Fennel, the man with the responsibility for measuring and recording every one of Ireland's heritage trees for the Tree Council of Ireland, Ireland's oldest native tree is the Silken Thomas Yew Tree (taxus baccata) growing in the grounds of St Patrick's College in Maynooth. When last measured, it had a girth (waist measurement) of 14 metres and is estimated to be in the region of 700-800 years old.

Maynooth College was founded in 1795. Thomas FitzGerald aka Silken Thomas (1513–1537) was 10th Earl of Kildare. He lived in the castle nearby. Maynooth Castle was built in 12th century and this yew tree was planted at the same time. 
 
St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth, was founded as the National Seminary for all of Ireland. Behind Maynooth College Chapel you can find small old cemetery with graves of priests and university teachers. Coordinates leads you through dark lane of yew trees to the middle of old cementary. Here you have to get your two numbers. Coordinates for nearest parking area are below (pay and display). You can park in town center for free. There is 10 min walk to first point. No dogs allowed - university area.
 
stage 1.
On the right you will see small mausoleum. Find two dates inscribed on the stone above doors. Subtract the smaller number from the larger and you have first number - call it AB
 
stage 2.
Turn around. You will see group of graves. Count the number of big stone Celtic crosses. This is your second number - call it CD.
 
final stage
Please calculate final cords as follows:
 
N53.22.(B+C)(C+D)(C) W006.35.(B)(B-C)(A+D)

GC for FTF!
  
bonus stage 
Find entrance to College Chapel. You won't be disappointed. Worth a visit. Enjoy.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

pybfr gb gur pbeare bs gur srapr ba rlr yriry. unatvat pnzbhsyntr obggyr. lbh znl arrq n gbepu rfcrpvnyyl va oevtug yrnsl qnl.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)