Rt. 19 History Lesson #05 Traditional Cache

This is the fifth of 10 geocaches hidden by a retired teacher from the area. Once a teacher, always a teacher! A little story about the area always makes the geocaching experience better!  Good Luck as you follow US Rt 19 South from Exit 91 through to Flatwoods where you can jump back onto I-79. Or you can count down from 10 to one from Flatwoods to Roanoke! 

All caches are Park & Grab with swag!

Limited cell service in the area, so use your GPS unit!

Ireland is located in southern Lewis County, and is well known for its week-long celebration for St. Patrick’s Day. No matter the weather, the celebration takes place to welcome spring to the area. The Shamrock CEOS Club plans all the activities for the week and crowns a KING and QUEEN for the coming year.  At the exact moment that spring officially begins, some able-bodied folks hike to the Blarney Rock on the hill overlooking Ireland and the announcement is made. On Saturday during that week, traffic is held and a parade of floats and animals and people travel the IRELAND STRAIGHT (the long, straight stretch of Rt. 19 on the other side of the community building) while crowds watch from the roadsides. The Ireland Post Office prints up a special stamp each year to denote St. Patrick’s Day theme for the festival.