Catherine's Well 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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Size:
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This is a resurrection and slight relocation of the original cache placed by StrawDog22 as it is a great location.
The site is easily accesed on foot and is next to a carpark. The cache is a about twice the size of a 35mm film cannister.
Killybegs is Irelands premier fishing port and is well worth a visit. If you are interested in boats at all you will be able to spend an hour or two walking around the harbour and viewing the many large and small fishing vessels anchored there (providing they are'nt at sea).
The cache itself is located at St. Catherine's Well which is about 0.25miles from the main harbour, close to the shoreline past the boatyard.
The story of the well ....... it is located near the Glebe House or otherwise known as the Rector's House. Although there was a right of way to the well, it was much more convenient for many people to take the direct route, which crossed near the Rev. Mr. Lodge's house who was then the Protestant Minister of the parish. He seemed to possess a single narrow mind and was completely devoid of the spirits of religious tolerance, he was much perturbed by the sight of so many people praying day after day at the well. The Rector took steps to prevent this by erecting strong fences everywhere there was a likelihood of trespass. The people avoided the grounds, but the numbers visiting the well did not decline. St. Catherine's Day, with its crowds seemed to have raised the ire of the Rector to breaking point. On the day after he ordered a number of his workmen to accompany him to the well. Under his supervision, the well was filled with earth and stone and the Rector returned home thinking he had put an end to at least one"Romish" custom. Next morning, his drawing room, though situated on an emminence at a much higher level than the well, was flooded with water from an unknown cause. His wife became hysterical and pleaded with her husband to undo the work from the day before. Finally he took his employees and dispatched to re-open the well. The water in the drawing room immediately subsided and from that day until his death, no interference with the well or its devotees ever took place.
Please be respectful of any visitors at the well as many locals come here to pray. The cache is located outside the immediate grounds around the well.
Once you have found the cache you should take time to visit two sites close by (just follow the path).
Old Burial Grounds
In the townland of Glebe there was a spot known as "Lug na Marbh" which means "hollow of the dead". When living in the old house before the Rectory was built, James McIntyre dug up several skeltons at "Lug na Marbh" which was supposed to be an old battle ground.
Old Castle Ruins
Near to St. Catherine's Well are the ruins of St. Catherine's Church, thought to go back to the 12th Century. On the hill above is the stump of the tower of Kit's Castle, the manor house built by Bishop Patrick McMonagle around 1355. Several bishops of the Raphoe diocese lived there.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va ohfu haqre fgbar
Treasures
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