milestone/milepost

Series of four freestanding square-plan distance markers, erected c. 1840. Cut granite, having pointed capping and inscribed lettering to northeast, northwest and southeast faces, showing distances in feet. Set in concrete paving, grass verge, or within rubble wall on southwest side of promenade on North Bull Wall

The North Bull Wall was constructed to designs by the Ballast Board's engineer, George Halpin, in the early decades of the nineteenth century, as part of an endeavour to deepen the city harbour and facilitate maritime trade. However, it soon became a popular leisure facility, with a promenade along the top running for almost a mile and a half. These distance markers, set at thousand-foot intervals along the promenade, are of technical as well as artistic interest. They are carved in a similar style to those used as mileposts in County Dublin since the mid-eighteenth century. The regular, even nature of the inscription is clearly the work of a skilled mason. These interesting items of street furniture still serve an important purpose, while adding visual incident to the North Bull Wall.