Skerry Cache Traditional Cache
Geocaching HQ Admin: Archived at the request of land manager
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This cache is placed at the ruins of Skerry Church. Locals say this church was built by St. Patrick but there are many stories about him in this area. It is true that he worked as a swineherd on Slemish Mountain when he first came to Ireland as a slave in the 5th century. Slemish is only 3 miles from here and easily seen.
Close to the church is a rock called St. Patricks Kneestone. The story goes that as he was praying here an angel appeared. When he stood up the impression of his knees were left in the rock. I couldn't find it because the grass is long and covers many of the stones. It's meant to be close to the eastern gable.
What I do know about the church is that it once had a belfry standing unconnected but this was demolished in 1730. 100 years later a fragment of the bell was found in a potato field at the foot of the hill. It was part of the rim and weighed 18Lbs. In 1819 the graveyard wall was rebuilt, the old one being entirely dilapidated. While doing so, the workmen found under the foundations some bones with a sword, knife and hatchet lying beside them. A Glenarm butcher got the sword; as for the other articles, it is not exactly known what became of them.
The views from this hill are tremendous on a good day and will make the effort of finding the cache worthwile - bring your binoculars. Also bring your waterboots even on a dry day. The climb to the church is steep and uneven (watch your footing in the long grass)
PLEASE PLEASE - When you find the cache take care while removing and replacing the stones, they tend to fall out round your feet!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Pnpur vf va gur jnyy nobhg 12 srrg gb gur evtug bs jurer vg unf snyyra qbja.