Skip to content

Packhorse Bridge Traditional Cache

Hidden : 12/29/2012
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   not chosen (not chosen)

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:



Packhorse Bridge
The nearby Packhorse Bridge is a 17th century structure which is protected under the Dublin Development plan 2011 – 2017.  Looking at it now, it’s hard to believe that this narrow bridge once carried the main Dublin to Wicklow road, replacing a dangerous ford on the river (Dodder) located nearer to Milltown Chapel.  Little remains to remind us of the thriving community that lived and worked here, centred on the bridge and now shrouded beneath parkland and an Islamic Centre.

It is said that O’Neill and O’Donnell on their escape from Dublin Castle sheltered in an inn then beside the bridge, no trace of which remains.  It is also said that Oliver Cromwell visited the village and crossed the Dodder via the Packhorse Bridge.

Other claims to fame?  Well, limestone from the river bed near the weir repaired Christ Church Cathedral in the 16th century.  And, while there is no troll living under the bridge, I have seen a badger who has made a home there.

The red-brick chimney you see when you look upstream, was once part of (and is now all that is left of) the Dublin Laundry.



The cache
The cache is camouflaged, hidden in a wooded area uphill from the Packhorse Bridge, but as placed, is hidden in plain view.   Please be sure to replace carefully, and don’t post any photos. 

A tweezers will be useful in extracting the log, and you should bring your own pen (or indeed pencil, or quill if it takes your fancy.  I’m not fussy).

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fgvpx jvgu vg naq lbh fubhyq fbba or noyr gb ybt n svaq.

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)