Killagha Abbey and White Church Traditional Cache
Marcus in Kerry: I will replace it with a new cache soon.
Killagha Abbey and White Church
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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A little known abbey and ruins of an old church in a romantic
setting near Milltown, Co. Kerry.
The cache is a Micro with a log sheet only because it has
been stolen several times before.
Caution: In summer, there are loads of nettles around the
area. Long pants are strongly recommended.
Directions: Turn off the N70 just outside Milltown,
signposted "Fearann na Mainistreach / ABBEYLANDS" and park at the
supplied parking co-ordinates.
Killagha Priory and White Church Cemetery are two little gems just
off the main Tralee-Killorglin (N70) road. Together they make for a
nice diversion in a peaceful setting. The cache is hidden near
White Church, but we strongly suggest that you visit nearby
Killagha Abbey, too (waypoint supplied below).
Killagha Augustinian Abbey
The Abbey was erected on the site of an older monastery of St.
Colman some time after 1216 by Geoffrey de Marisco for the Canons
Regular of St. Augustine and dedicated to Our Blessed Lady. In 1302
it was the third richest monastery in the Diocese of Ardfert, and
its Prior was a Lord of Parliament. Only the church, with a single
long nave, remains. The windows, doors and niches of sandstone are
of 13th century date, while the limestone work, including the fine
east window, was inserted in the 15th century. The Abbey was
suppressed in 1576 and the domestic buildings to the south were
destroyed by Cromwell's soldiers.
White Church
This is a well-hidden ruin and a delight to visit. The mostly
protestant graveyard was in use from the mid-18th century, but no
burials take place here anymore. The origins of White Church are
unknown. It may be related to nearby Killagha Abbey, but this is
not certain. The current structure (in ruins) was probably built on
the foundations of an earlier church. A description from 1753 notes
"this church is in ruins but appears to be very ancient". The
church was rebuilt around 1770, but quickly fell into disreapair
with the bankruptcy of the local landlord in 1793 and was abandoned
in 1810. We love the secluded setting and peaceful atmosphere.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Svefg gerr ba evtug.
Treasures
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