Milestone opposite 123 Castle Road, Antrim, Co Antrim

This is a mid-19th century cast iron milestone, a type that was once common but is now comparatively rare, with only three remaining in the Randalstown ward. The milestone is made of cast iron and comprises two angled sides with a triangular top, measuring 48.5 centimetres wide. The three visible faces display locations and distances in raised lettering: ‘Randalstown 2 miles; Antrim 3 miles; Belfast 20’. It is situated in a rural location by the roadside, on the footpath, backed by a basalt rubble boundary wall belonging to the Shane's Castle estate. Although the precise date of construction is unknown, similar milestones first appeared on the Ordnance Survey map of 1902, suggesting a likely date from the 1860s. This milestone is of industrial archaeological interest due to its style, proportions, ornamentation, and rarity. It holds group value as a representative example of its type and is of local interest. The ownership is held by Central Government.