Although located within the heart of the town, Cherry Island offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of town, and the sound of the nearby fountain situated in the river, (which lights up at night, powered by the water), makes for a tranquil backdrop. Beyond the fountain, you can see Cole's Monument rising above the town.
From the cache site, you can see Boston Quay on the edge of the recently improved Queen Elizabeth Road, and on the far side of the shore, a red archway close to the site of the old Erne Hospital. This archway marks the landing point of the workhouse boat used to bring inmates to the workhouse prior to the creation of the Johnston Bridge.
Following the closure of the workhouse in 1948, the workhouse building was mostly demolished to allow for the building of the old Erne Hospital, which itself is now defunct and has been replaced by the South West Acute Hospital, located just outside of town. However the imposing entrance block of the workhouse still remains and was part of the administrative block of the Erne Hospital. There are currently plans to make the old Hospital site a Public Services Hub.
The island can easily be reached on foot from the Johnston Bridge, or even by canoe as there is a slipway and a small jetty on the island. The bridge splits the island in two, the other half being a private residence.
During a recent improvement to the island, which included upgrading of the paths, native foliage was planted on the island to encourage butterflies. Picnic tables and benches are also available on the island.
Parking:
The listed co-ordinates are ideal parking for this cache and Across From The Lock, as this spot has always got free spaces and is about halfway between both caches, with a pleasant walk beside the water from cache to cache. Both caches can be done well within an hour from this location and the path is asphalt all the way from parking to cache to cache, making it suitable for wheels and those of all ages.
From the parking co-ordinates, you will see the path. Head right (West) to get to "Across From The Lock" or left and follow the path first under Johnston Bridge and then over it, for "Cherry Fountain".
