Milestone, Castle Road, Antrim, Co Antrim

This is a mid-19th century cast iron milepost, a type that was once common but is now relatively rare, with only three remaining in the Randalstown ward. The milestone is made of cast iron and consists of two sides set at an angle, topped with a triangular rake. It measures 48.5 cms wide and has three faces bearing locations and distances in raised lettering: 'Randalstown 3 miles; Antrim 2 miles; Belfast 19'. The precise date of erection is unknown, but similar mileposts are first shown on the Ordnance Survey map of 1902, suggesting a likely date from the 1860s. It is situated in a rural setting on the footpath, alongside the road, against a basalt rubble boundary wall that forms part of the Shane's Castle estate, opposite the house at No. 123 Castle Road. The milepost is of industrial archaeological interest, notable for its style, proportions, and rarity. It holds group value as part of the landscape.