Careys Fountain, Junction of Randalstown and Gloverstown Roads, Toome, Co. Antrim

Careys Fountain, located at the junction of the Randalstown and Gloverstown Roads in Toome, Co. Antrim, dates from approximately 1900 to 1919. The fountain commemorates a prominent local man, John Carey, who paid for its installation, and is situated in a noticeable roadside position and remains in good condition.

The fountain is a cow tail closed head lever type pump, featuring a plain, spirally decorated column and a fluted cap with an acorn finial. It stands beside a pyramidal structure which bears a cast iron plaque inscribed "This fountain/free to all/the design and gift of/ John Carey 1860". During road realignment works, monitoring by Cormac Scally of UFTM revealed a well beneath the pyramid.

The fountain’s presence is noted on Ordnance Survey maps from 1902 and 1921 (PRONI Ref OS 10/1/42/15/1 and 2). While the plaque’s inscription may refer to an earlier pump or the well itself, it is believed the current pump draws water from the well and is an early 20th-century example. Further details can be found in the Environment Heritage Service Report ‘Water Pumps in Northern Ireland: A Preliminary Survey’ by Fred Hammond, January 1997, Pump no 47.

The site is of industrial archaeological interest and holds local significance due to its association with John Carey and its social and cultural importance as a community water source. The listing includes both the pump and the commemorative plaque. The fountain is owned by the Central Government.