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The Cliff Walk Cache Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

Inishanier: Hi,

I am archiving this cache to prevent any further damage to the dry stone wall. Please do not look for this cache.

Many thanks,

Graham

Inishanier - Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching HQ (Ireland)

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Hidden : 8/25/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The cache is located near where the Cliff Walk path meets the Dunlicky Road. Although it should go without saying, care should be taken when accompanied by children as the Cliff Walk is in fact located near a cliff.
Also areas at the far end of the walk, near the Pollock Holes, are tidal so care should be taken when exploring here. Ask locals or other walkers about the tide if you are unsure.

The Cliff Walk is a scenic walking route which goes from the Dunlicky Road, just outside Kilkee, to the Pollock Holes (natural swimming pools) in Kilkee. I would highly recommend continuing on the walk after finding the cache or begin the walk at the Pollock Holes so the cache can be your reward at the end. The Cliff Walk contains a number of different naturally formed scenic attractions. Free public parking is available at the Pollock Holes with vehicle height restrictions.

The Pollock Holes
The Pollock Holes are three naturally formed rock pools which are used as swimming pools throughout the year by locals and holiday makers. The area is only accessible twice a day at low tide. The incoming tide covers the entire rock formation. The Pollock Holes are the only portion of the Duggerna Reef that is visible above water. The reef of Duggerna rocks streches across the mouth of Kilkee Bay and forms a barrier breaking the ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean. If you continue past the Pollock Holes you may spot the formation in the cliff on your right called the Amphitheatre.

The Amphitheatre
This area is a naturally carved out hollow in the face of a cliff with flights of steps resembling rows of benches as seen in Roman days. In the past, open air theatre and concerts were given in the summer months. This is where Richard Harris began his acting career whilst on summer holiday with his family. The Amphitheatre also served as a meeting point for socializing. The Amphitheatre has not been in use since the early 1950s.

The Diamond Rocks and Puffing Hole
As you continue on the walk you should come to an area of concrete steps leading down the cliff opposite a shelter. This leads to the Diamond Rocks, so named from the crystals found in their crevices. The Puffing Hole is also located here. This would have been formed when the roof of a sea cave collapsed. In rough weather or during spring tides the waves crash into the cave beneath and the water is forced up through the gap in the roof. Slamming up with a booming noise to a height of sixty or eighty feet (18 or 24 metres), the jet seems to pause and then slowly desend thus giving the Puffing Hole its name.

Intrinsic Bay
As you continue on the walk you should come to a section of the path that comes quite close to the cliff. This area is called Intrinsic Bay. The bay is named after the merchant vessel, Intrinsic that sank here. Sailing from Liverpool to New Orleans on 14 January 1836, the Intrinsic carrying cargo and a crew of fourteen was blown into the bay on 30 January 1836 where it went down with the loss of all on board. One of Intrinsic's two anchors was first discovered by Manuel Di Lucia in 1967. On 19 August 1979, a group of divers recovered an anchor from the sea belonging to the Intrinsic. The anchor and a plaque were unveiled by the President of Ireland, Dr. Patrick Hillery, on 25 July 1982 and stand on display at the East End.

Lookout Hill
The last point you should come to before you reach the cache is Lookout Hill. The hill/cliff rises to about 200 feet(61m) above the sea. The views from the cliff are breathtaking. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and Twelve Pin Mountains in Galway to the north, southward across the Shannon to the MacGillicudy's Reeks in Kerry and eastward to Poulnasherry Bay and Kilrush. Lookout Hill got its name because this is where the Coastgaurd regularly came to look out to sea as it was the highest point in Kilkee.

The cache is a small snap lock container containing a logbook, pencil, badges, stickers and sea shells.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybbx gb gur evtug bs jurer gur jnyy unf snyyra qbja.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)