The coast road from Kilbarrack to Howth originally kept to the seashore from St Fintan's school as far as St Fintan's Church, where it turned north and continued along Church Road (formerly Saxe Lane). The Howth Road as we now know it was built by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford around 1820, and the main road at this point was straightened from where the school is now towards Sutton Cross and on to Howth village. The old coastal road slowly fell into disrepair and eventually was completely eroded away by the sea. Old maps of the area show the road clearly, including one of unknown date but later than the building of the Howth railway line in 1846. However, by the time of the Ordnance Survey 1907 map, the road was gone forever.
The only remaining evidence that there ever was a road here is the line of telegraph poles in the back gardens of the houses close to the shore. When first placed, they would have been either in their front gardens or by the roadside.
Many of the original houses have been rebuilt and rear gardens landscaped but there are still one or two that have their front doors facing the sea.
Take a look also at the disappearing garden of the first house near the school. The sea defence wall has collapsed and slowly but surely the sea is eroding the earth away.
The Cache:
The shortest approach to the cache is from St Fintan's School, but you can also get there from St Fintan's Church. Parking is available outside the school or at the church. Access may be more difficult from the school end at high tide, particularly in stormy weather. Dublin bus route 31, 31a, 31b from Talbot St to Howth. BYOP.