Liffey Bridges-Fr Matthew Mystery Cache
Cuilcagh: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it.
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Cuilcagh - Volunteer Ireland Reviewer
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Liffey Bridges-Fr Matthew
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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Like most of the Liffey Bridges this is a magnetic micro. You will need to bring a pen or pencil with you. It can be found without precise coordinates but if you require better information then solve the following:
Find "A"
How many lamposts are there on the bridge? Call the answer "A".
The final coordinates are:
N53 20.726 W006 16.(271 X A)
PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN RETRIEVING THE CONTAINER AND MAKE SURE IT IS CLOSED PROPERLY. PLEASE ALSO REPLACE EXACTLY WHERE YOU FOUND IT.
Fr Matthew Bridge:
Fr Matthews Bridge is a road bridge spanning the River Liffey in and joining Merchants Quay to Church Street and the north quays.
The site of Fr Matthew Bridge is understood to be close to the ancient "Ford of the Hurdles", which was the original crossing point on the Liffey and gives its name (in Irish) to the city of Dublin.
At the turn of the first millennium (c.1014), the first recorded Dublin Liffey bridge was built at this point. Possibly known as the Bridge of Dubhghall, this basic wooden structure was maintained and rebuilt over several centuries (from early Medieval to Viking to Norman times)
In 1428, the Dominicans of Ostmantown Friary built the first masonry bridge in Dublin, at this point. Known as Dublin Bridge, Old Bridge, or simply The Bridge, this four arch structure had towers at either end, and shops, housing, an inn and a chapel were built on its supports.
For much of its 390-year life span, The Bridge carried all pedestrian, livestock and horse-drawn traffic across the river, and (as late as 1762) its tolls and chapel were still in use.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Dublin Bridge was replaced by a three-span, elliptical arch stone bridge. Designed by George Knowles (who also architected O'Donovan Rossa Bridge and Lucan Bridge), the bridge was opened in 1818 as Whitworth Bridge, for Charles, Earl of Whitworth, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
As with many other Dublin bridges (particularly those named for British peers), the bridge was renamed following independence by the Free State as Dublin Bridge in 1923.
In line with another Dublin tradition of naming bridges for temperance campaigners, the bridge was renamed again in 1938 for Father Theobald Mathew (the Apostle of Temperance) who was born at Thomastown near Golden, County Tipperary.
Four Courts building
One of the landmarks of Dublin with its large drum and shallow dome, and visible all along the Liffey, the Four Courts derives its names from the four divisions that traditionally were the judicial system in Ireland. These were: Chancery, King's Bench, Exchequer, and Common Pleas. Architect: James Gandon.
Interior Access Court Hours Only.
The Four Courts figured prominently in the film Michael Collins where it was considerably "damaged" from artillery fire.
Originally, part of the building was designed by Thomas Cooley with a revised later scheme being developed by James Gandon to incorporate the earlier work. The original plan of the western block designed by Thomas Cooley consisted of a number of separate 'houses', each with its own entrance and stairwell. The eastern block designed by Gandon was one building with complete internal access. This can be seen on the plan below with Cooley's block on the left.
The building's main feature is the dome and main portico. The portico and pediment are a shallow projection from the centre block but Gandon created a semi-circular recess under the pediment bringing the entrance into the building.
The interior of the Four Courts was reconstructed after the Civil War and the interior rearranged. The central rotunda above is as Gandon designed it with the four main courtrooms opening off it diagonally. This dramatic public space soars up into the drum creating a sombre and awe inspiring venue for the administration of the law.
You will also note two of Dublin's most popular pubs, particularly with foreign tourists, on the south side of the bridge. These are O'Sheas, The Merchant and The Brazen Head. Each are famous for Irish traditional music.
The Old Jameson Distillery is a very short walk from this bridge and daily tours are available.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Orybj sbhe naq gjb unyirf, ernpu, zntargvp