This cache used to be a multi cache taking in different parts
of Beginish Island, County Kerry. Because of privacy issues, it has
been changed to a traditional in early 2009.
The terrain rating of 5 is because you need special equipment (a
boat) or know someone with a boat. Otherwise the terrain would be a
3.
Beginish Island lies in Valentia Harbour in county Kerry. It is
now an uninhabited island and has no regular ferry service. You
will need your own boat or you should find someone at Knightstown
Harbour on Valentia Island who can ferry you there. You can also
make enquiries in the Marina in Cahersiveen. If you bring your own
boat, the best point to launch it is at Reenard Point (N51 55.70
W10 16.65). From there it is approximately 1.4 km to the best
landing spot on Beginish Island at about N51 56.25 W10 17.53.
Beginish has a long history. Some archaeological excavations
have been done over the years and evidence of a 10th
century Hiberno-Scandinavian settlement was discovered. Scientists
believe it was a way station or maritime haven between the
Hiberno-Scandinavian towns of Cork and Limerick. Some artefacts
found include several Pins, a Comb, Rotary Whetstone, Bone Cylinder
and a Soapstone Bowl.
In common with most of the islands around the Irish coast,
Beginish experienced a severe decline in population over the years
as the following excerpts from the census data show:
| Year |
Inhabitants |
|
| 1841 |
84 |
|
| 1871 |
22 |
|
| 1901 |
44 |
|
| 1936 |
15 |
|
| 1961 |
10 |
|
| 1966 |
6 |
|
| 1971 |
2 |
These are two brothers whom I met on the island in the
1990's. |
| 1996 |
2 |
|
| 2002 |
0 |
One of the brothers died between 1996 and 2002 and the
remaining brother then moved to Valentia island. |
Beginish Island has two fine beaches and some people camp out
there during the summer months and at least one house is used as a
holiday home. The whole island is privately owned. Please respect
the property (especially the "Private Property" signs), don't
damage fences and leave everything as you find it.