****Please only log the cache if you have a photo with the Fog Bell. If you haven't completed the logging task, please don't log a find.****
This cache can only be accessed when the doors to the battery are open. Generally, and assuming fine weather it is open May to Sept inclusive from 11am to 10pm daily, and then weekends from October to April, from 12.00 to 8pm. These are only indicative times as it varies day to day.
This virtual cache brings you to the "battery" at the end of the East Pier of Dún Laoghaire harbour, where you will find the fog bell. This bell was manufactured in 1852 and was originally installed in a wooden belfry. In 1907 it was moved to its present location and mechanised. It is inscribed with the words "Sheridan Dublin maker 1852".
Inside the battery, you will also find the East Pier lighthouse. It was constructed in 1847 as a tower of granite construction with a 20,000 candle-power light 47 feet above high water. It was later raised by 12 feet to increase its effective range. It was automated in 1977.
The purpose of fog bells, fog horns and other audible signals was to provide a warning that the ship was near a rocky coastline or similar hazard, at times of poor visibility when the lighthouse could not be seen from a distance. Over the centuries they must have saved countless lives. The automation of fog signals was achieved by an ingenious system involving a beam of light or a laser beam directed out to sea. If part of the beam was reflected back to the source (i.e. if the beam was visible due to fog), it activated a sensor which sounded the fog signal.
Land-based fog signals in Ireland were discontinued in 2011 on the basis that modern vessels have navigational aids such as radar and GPS, allowing them to steer clear of coastlines even in poor visibility. However, fog signals may still be heard along the coast as ships are still required to operate them.
Getting there
This cache is only available when the doors of the battery are open. See note above.
You will have to walk 1.5 kilometres along the pier to reach the cache location. Allow an hour for the whole visit (or longer if you want to take in the sights and the views along the way!) I believe the cache is accessible by wheelchair. Keep an eye out for seals in the harbour.
Dún Laoghaire harbour is well served by public transport and there is ample (paid) parking within the harbour area.
Logging task
Please attach a photo of the fog bell, showing any one of the following items:
You may only log this cache if you have personally visited the location after the date of publication and completed the logging task. Any logs that do not fulfil these requirements will be deleted.
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.