This cache is located on the Great Saltee Island, off the south
coast of Wexford.
The Saltee Islands have, down through the ages, paid host to
early Christian hermits and monks; pirates and smugglers in the
seventeenth and eigtheenth centuries, and, in the aftermath of the
1798 rebellion, two of its leaders, Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey and
John Henry Colclough, were captured after hiding out in one of the
island's caves. In the nineteenth century the islands were used for
farming and rabbit hunting. Today, the main island is an unspoilt
paradise - teeming with many different species of sea bird, as well
as a large number of other wild animals such as rabbits and seals.
The peaceful island is mainly uninhabited - the only house on the
island receiving occasional visitors. As a result, a visit of a few
hours to the island on a sunny summer's day will most likely leave
you in a thoroughly relaxed, peaceful mood. For more information on
the islands' history, culture and wildlife, the book "Saltees" by
Richard Roche and Oscar Merne (O'Brien Press) is recommended. The
map included here is taken from that book.
A boat to the island leaves from the village of Kilmore Quay
(itself worth a visit if you have a spare hour) in south Wexford.
During the summer a boat will sail every day. At other times of the
year the service may run, depending on demand. Booking is almost
essential, so ring the boatman, Declan Bates, on 053 29684 or 087
2529736 a day or so in advance to be sure there's room for you. The
25 minute boat trip will cost €20 return (June 2004). This might
seem expensive just for a geocache, but believe me, the 4 or 5
hours you get on the island are well worth the money, especially if
you have any interest in seeing colonies of wild birds in their
natural habitat.
The island is quite exposed, so bring rain gear, as well as
plenty of liquids and food. There's plenty of nettles and thorns
round, so shorts are not recommended, even on a sunny day. Sturdy
footwear is also a bonus.
The cache is hidden towards the South end of the island. You
won't need to trek though the undergrowth to get to this cache -
even if your GPS seems to be sending you that way. Follow the
coastal path around until you reach the south end of the island,
and from there follow your GPS.
The cache is in a tupperware container.