Fáilte go Páirc Naomh Caitríona.
The Cache
Stage 1. Find a cache container and do the field puzzle to get the final coords.
Final: Enjoy finding the cache. Spoiler pic below.
Céim 1. Aimsigh agus oscail an taisce. Cuir na míreanna mearaí le chéile chun na comhordanáidí deiridh a fháil.
Deiridh: Bain sult as aimsiú an taisce. pic spoiler thíos.
St. Catherine’s Park /Lucan Demesne comprises of lands located in Kildare, Fingal and South Dublin. It consists of 200 acres of woodland, and grass land, with the river Liffey dividing the southern lands of South Dublin County Council from the remainder of the park.
St Catherine’s Park may be described by three character zones; a plateau and old agricultural fields, a floodplain, and a steep wooded ridgeline whose configuration reflects the broad meander of the River Liffey. The floodplain has been enclosed with a stock proof fence and highland cattle and rams have been put there to graze. The park contains a pedestrian bridge over the river which facilitates pedestrian access between Leixlip and Lucan.
Residents of Leixlip and Laraghcon tend to refer to the lands located north of the river as St Catherine’s Park; while residents of Lucan tend to refer to the lands located south of the river as Lucan Demesne. The fact that the park is administered and maintained by three separate local authorities further adds to the complexity of resolving this issue.
Flora Woodland - Historical evidence indicates that there has been a, at least partially, wooded park at St.Catherine’s since the 13th century. The large earthen bank to the north and west of the wood appears to be the type constructed in the medieval period in England, and it is considered that the wood is ancient. St.Catherine’s Wood is situated on a steep incline and extends to the banks of the River Liffey. It comprises of 40 acres of mixed woodland of predominately native, mixed broadleaves.
The common woodland trees including, ash, beech and sycamore are present in single species stands of uniform age. The woodland canopy is dominated by beech, and ash, with a mix of other native and exotic species including Silver Birch, Hornbeam , Wild Cherry , Common Oak, Grey Poplar, Sycamore and Common Lime. The understory is comprised of abundant hazel, Holly, and Elm. A small conifer plantation is located on the eastern end of the woodland, near the chapel ruins. The conifers are Spruce and Fir.
The woodlands are home to badgers as reflected by the number of badger setts that can be found throughout the woodlands. Many varieties of bats have been observed along the tracks in the woodlands and the woodland edge. These bats avail of the calm conditions within the woodland and the woodland edge to feed on the swarms of insects that can be found there. The bats are likely to be roosting in the old mature trees in the woodland and the derelict buildings in the park. The woodland is also home to about 25 common woodland birds such as Blackbird, Blue tit, Goldcrest, Woodpigeon and Wren. Blackcaps, which until recently were scarce and localised breeding birds in Ireland, appear to be well established in this wood.
The walkway through the woods is also the most popular recreational feature in the park, particularly in the autumntime.
The rare and legally protected Hairy St. John's wort has been recorded from the woodlands in the park.
Fauna Wildlife -The Liffey is a salmonid river and supports good populations of Salmon, Sea trout and Brown Trout. Some of the spawning grounds for these species are located on the riverbed within the perimeters of the park.
Kingfisher and Heron can occasionally be seen on the river feeding on small fish, while Swift, Swallow, House Martin can be seen feeding on insects above the river. Mute Swan, Cormorant, Mallard, Moorhen and Grey wagtail can also be seen on the river and riverbank.
Otters have been observed on the Liffey at St. Catherines Park and they are likely to be using the river banks and adjacent floodplain when searching for food.
Work is ongoing in the park – over the years we have seen the old cottage demolished, many new pathways added, along with exercise machines on a circuit around the park, a cricket pitch, many new trees and a fab playground added. Ongoing plans for many more amenities have come to fruition with cycle lanes, Par 3 golf area, picnic areas, dog runs and a skate park added to name but a few. There are also plans to add more facilities such as tea rooms, more toilets etc.
St Catherine’s Car park opening times
November, December January 9am –5pm
February, March 9am –6pm
April 9am –7pm
May 9am –8pm
June, July, August, 9am –9pm
September 9am –8pm
October 9am –7pm