Mullaghreelan wood is part of the old grounds of Kilkea Castle. An ancient rath sits on top of the hill and is associated with the kings of Leinster in ancient Irish manuscripts. It is also the birthplace of Saint Laurence O'Toole. There is a rare stand of coastal sequoia redwood (the tallest tree in the world) in Mullaghreelan.
Mullaghreelan is a beautiful mixed woodland with a good network of trails and is of great historical interest. A nature/heritage trail is put in place with ten stops of interest along the route. Information and maps can be found on www.coillteoutdoors.ie
Mullaghreelan wood is situated south east of Athy town on the Athy-Castledermot road (R418), 12 km from Athy and 2 km from Kilkea village.
Now, About the Geocache. You need to reach the redwoods (Sequoias) but make sure you touch the trees, you will think you are hallucinating when you feel the bark of them as they feel like they are made of candy floss. Once you reach the sequoias go in to their area, it's a small square area that goes downhill. At the bottom of the small hill on the last row of sequoias. That is where you want to be looking.
The naked eye won't see it so you have to use your imagination 'Hmmm Where would I hide it if I placed it here' (it is not buried so you can't step on it and it's not up in the trees)
Inside the sandwich box is a note pad and pen. As a gift I have placed in there a keyring (The crab from Spongebob) and a brand new unisex Marylin Monroe (Andy Warhol) stylised belt. unopened (was a gift and a touch too small for me which I regret because it's awesome!) If you want to take something please replace it for the next trekker who comes along as a reward is definitely due (you build up a sweat with all the hiking) .
Once you found the cache, Be sure to go back up and follow the trail uphill till you reach the very top, the sun beams down on this small spot looking like something between your local 'pitch 'n' putt' and the garden of eden (all that's missing is angels playing harps). When you reach this hidden section at the top of the hill you feel nature's wonder kicking in to play. The area just before you reach the top of the hill up makes you feel like you are in 'Lord Of The Rings' style elves territory! and once you reach the highest point and in the winter when the leaves have fallen A stunning 360 view of the surrounding counties and farmland is simply breathtaking. A reward for reaching it.
Enjoy and Good luck in finding my first cache!