Water pump in Dunkineely

Freestanding cast-iron water hydrant, erected c. 1900, comprising fluted shaft on moulded base surmounted by fluted domed capping with acorn finial over, and having lion's head motif to spout. Foundry mark 'Glenfield & Kennedy Ltd, Kilmarnock' to shaft. Located in small lawned picnic area enclosed by timber fence to the west of Dunkineely.

An attractive piece of mass produced cast-iron, which is an appealing and subtle feature in the streetscape to the west of Dunkineely. This water hydrant is of particular importance as a reminder of the mechanisms installed for the provision of clean drinking water in the period before mains water supply systems. The various fluted details, and the moulded lion’s head motif in particular, enhances the artistic design quality of the piece, and indicates the equal importance of aesthetics as well as functionality. This lion’s head motif may be a reference to the British Empire. The foundry mark indicates that it was made at the Glenfield and Kennedy Ltd. foundry, which was the major company selling cast-iron water mechanisms within the British Empire during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. Although probably moved to its present site from another location (possibly from just across the road to the north - map c. 1907), this simple item of street furniture makes a positive contribution to the streetscape to the west of Dunkineely, and is an integral element of the social history of the local area.