This interesting ruin lies just off Castle Avenue in Clontarf. This was originally an ancient monastic site but this current structure was constructed in 1609 and dedicated to St John the Baptist.
It was in use serving the Anglican community of the parish until 1866 when a much grander Church was built nearby on Seafield Rd to replace it.
Although surrounded by a cemetery, it over the years fell into ruin, but what remains is in still kept in good order.
On the western face of the church the wall extends higher to form a bell tower. This tower of sorts dominates the skyline as you walk around the Church.
Author Bram Stoker of 'Dracula' fame was baptised here in December 1847.
A decorative arched gate leads you into the grounds immediately giving you a good side view of the Church.
There is a small gate on the southern facing wall leading into the nave of the Church. It was quite large inside having served it's many parishioners for over 250 years. There is a raised area alongside part of the Northern part of the nave which was once illuminated by a large window.
Note the wall repair to the left of the grave at stage one. The graveyard was 'full', but a space was found by blocking up an old gateway to the nearby castle!
THE CACHE
At the published co ordinates is the grave of a well known Irish entertainer who birthday was January 3rd. Take the last 2 digits in their year of birth and year of death and call them in order ABCD
Now go to stage two at the north side of the church. What year did Rebecca Ardach die? Call this figure EFGH.
The cache is at N53 A(B-D). (B+H)(G+H)(E+F) W006 (B-D)A.(H-A)(B+E)(B-H)
In a lot of cases these type of walled graveyards tend to remain locked by local authorities to avoid any vandalism or antisocial gatherings but in this case the gate remains open during reasonable hours (note the times above). The cache is hidden outside the cemetery.
Check your solution:
