Hello Martello EarthCache

Garnish Island (Ilnacullin Garinish or Garnish) is located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, in Southwest Ireland. Garnish is world renowned for its gardens which are laid out in beautiful walks and it has some stunning specimen plants which are rare in this climate.

You can take the Garnish Island Ferry from Glengarriff Pier to visit this amazing island garden (at a cost). The very sheltered ferry trip includes a wonderful visit to seal island where you will visit the very tame seal colony.

The Gardens are the result of the creative partnership of Annan Bryce and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. The island was bequeathed to the Irish people in 1953, and was subsequently entrusted to the care of the Commissioners of Public Works.

For history buffs the Island also boasts a Martello tower on its southern shores which has been restored by the OPW. There is an amazing view of the bay from the battlements of the tower.

The alternative names Ilnacullin, or Illaunacullin (island of holly) and Garinish, also have a long history in the locality, and appear in early maps.

The Lesson

You are now standing at the base of the martello tower which is made of rubble. The Ilnacullin Tower on Garnish Island, unlike most of the Irish Martello Towers, has a straight cylindrical shape of rubble masonry and is now fully restored, serves as a focal point in the magnificent gardens of Garinish Island and is a local key tourist attraction.

You will notice white patches on the rubble wall of the martello, this could be 1 of 2 potential things. Calcium deposits OR Efflorescense.

Defining Efflorescence and Calcium Deposits

First let’s define efflorescence and calcium deposits. Efflorescence is a deposit of a salt that collects on the outside of a material’s surface. Calcium deposits, also referred to as lime buildup, accumulates right below a material’s surface. Both conditions occur when evaporating water pushes minerals in the material towards the surface and can be indicators of water damage.

Physical Characteristics

Efflorescence, a porous substance, looks white and chalky. Since it rests on the surface of a material, efflorescence will darken when splashed with water. Calcium deposits are denser than efflorescence and usually appear as white streaks running down a material’s surface. Because the calcium forms right below a material’s surface, water will not affect its appearance.
 

in order to log this as a find, please tell me in your opinion,

1: Are the stains Efflorescence or Calcium deposits (based on the way they look and on what you've learned)

2: At the time of you being there would you say these have been there a long time (the more there is, the longer it's been going on)

3: To prove your visit, how many metal steps are there from the ground to the entrance? 

4: on the notice board to the right, you will see the name of a famous general, please give me his name.



Happy hunting.