Conna Castle Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Standing dramatically on a rock overhanging the river Bride, a tributary of the Blackwater, Conna castle was built by the Earls of Desmond in about 1500. The elegant five-storey tower, about 85 feet tall, was partly restored in the 19th century but retains its medieval character. It was surrounded originally by bawn wall but very little of this survives today. The opening just above ground level on the north side of the castle was the outlet from the shaft of a "garderobe" (toilet).
Thomas Fitzgerald, the 14th Earl of Desmond lived here, and his son, the famous "Sugan" (straw) Earl, was born here. He was betrayed by his kinsman, the White Knight, and sent to the Tower of London where he went insane and died. after his death, James I granted the castle to the Earl of Cork, Richard Boyle. In 1645 Conna was captured by Lord Castlehaven. Five years later Cromwell turned his guns on the castle but failed to take it. It was burned in 1653 when the three daughters of the occupant were killed. Afterwards Conna Castle passed to the Duke of Devonshire's family. Hilary L’Estrange bought the castle in 1851, and his son left the castle to the state when he died in 1915.
Cache is a small sized common plastic lunch box, placed near the tower.
My cousin Elnars lives near the castle ruins. He surveyed hiding place, as necessary.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
tebhaq yriry, tnc orgjrra gur fgbarf, haqre gur guerr fgbarf