Randalstown Heritage Trail

The bustling village of Randalstown boasts a beautiful Tudor-style gateway, the entrance to Shane's Castle Estate and a magnificent viaduct spanning the River Maine. The village is well remembered for its historic links with both the linen and iron industries. Randalstown's integrity as a typical 19th century Ulster town is still intact and its original street layout, buildings and structures, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, reflect the character and history of the town.

The naming of Randalstown

Randalstown was originally known as An Dun Mor - the great fort. However, with the development of an ironworks mill the town grew and by 1657 it was called "Iron Mills" (Mullynierin). In 1666, Lady Rose Ann O'Neill obtained a Charter from Charles II granting that the town be constituted a Free Borough and she renamed it Randalstown in honour of her husband, Sir Randal McDonnell, the 2nd Earl and 1st Marquis of Antrim.

Park in the car park at the end of Moores Lane (off the Town Centre mini-roundabout). Walk back towards the Moores Lane/ Main Street road junction. Note the building on the right.

1. Scout Hall

This building opened in 1933 as a working men's Temperance Club and is now home to the local scouts.

2. Moores Lane

The lane was originally the drive to Neillsbrook House which stood where the Maine Fold stands today. The house was burned down during the 1798 rebellion but rebuilt and eventually bought by the Old Bleach Linen Company. A monument to the town's linen heritage is located at the junction with Main Street.

From Moores Lane turn left into Main Street. The post office is located on the left side of the street. The red phone box situated outside the building is a listed structure.

3. The Former Post Office

The local Post Office was established in 1807 in Ballygrooby. It moved to Upper Main Street in 1845 and to this location from 1864-2005. The current building dates from the 18th century.

John Street is located directly opposite the Post Office.

4. John Street - 'Tea' or 'Tay' Lane

The origin of the lane's name may have stemmed from stories depicting the locals leaning over the half doors while drinking tea and throwing the remains of the tea onto the street! Others believe that the Tay Fencibles, who were stationed in the town following the disturbances of 1798, used the lane to reach their quarters and it was named after them. Prior to the construction of New Street, John Street led to Toomebridge via Staffordstown.

Once on John Street travel through the car park. The Forge is located on the left side of the street.

5. The Old Forge

Built c. 1900, this is one of the few blacksmith's forges to be listed in Northern Ireland. It is a single storey, three bay building constructed of squared basalt with red brick dressings. Although it ceased to be a forge in 1983, it has remained a feature of local interest and historical importance within the town and is now a restaurant and Local Information Office.

From the Forge, exit the car park to the right and note the villa located on the left corner of the junction with New Street.

6. Ornate Villa

Built c. 1842, the villa is noted for its ornamental timber gables. While owned by the French family, it became a Temperance Hotel around 1880 and is now a private residence.

Turn left into New Street.

7. New Street

Constructed in the late 1820s, this street was originally known as New Market Street. By 1859, the town had matured into its present street pattern.

The former Court/ Market House is located on the left side of New Street.

8. Former Court/ Market House

Constructed in 1831, at a a cost of £500, this two storey, five bay basalt building with cupola housed a Courthouse on the upper floor and a Market House on the ground floor. In 1951, the Petty Sessions moved to Toomebridge and the building was then used by the Ministry of Health. The local library is now located on the ground floor.

To the rear of the former Court/ Market House lies the Market Yard.

9. The Market Yard

By the time the 1857 Randalstown map was produced, the Market Yard had been destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt again in 1892 and during World War II was home for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and the American Army.

Continue along New Street to the garage on your left.

10. Drummal Parochial Hall

Originally built in 1853 as an infant school, this building became a national school in 1884. Following closure in 1937, the building was acquired by Drummaul Parish Church and converted into a hall. In recent years, it has been transformed into a supermarket and petrol station.

At the end of the petrol station forecourt, turn left onto Cashell's Lane.

11. Cashell's Lane

Mr Cashell was the owner of the O'Neill Arms Hotel, which then became Moore's garage, in the early 1800s. He used the lane to access his market garden which, sadly, no longer exists.

The lane leads to the former Barracks and Parade Ground.

12. Former Barracks and Parade Ground

The barracks was erected in 1816 by Lord O'Neill for the Antrim Regiment, of which he was Colonel. At that time, the regiment comprised of four officers and ninety-three soldiers. The barracks has now been converted into modern housing.

Walk towards the bridge and up the steps. At the top note the former hotel/ police barracks on the left.

13. Former Hotel/ Police Barracks

This building was erected c. 1750 as the O'Neill Arms Hotel. During the mid 1800s, the adjoining Market House and assembly rooms became the main part of the hotel. Declining trade forced the hotel to close in the 1890s and, for a period before 1936, it became a police barracks. In 1937, R. Moore & Son took over the vacant building and, after renovation in the 1960s, it became a car showroom which has since ceased trading.

Cross the road and turn right using the footpath to cross the bridge.

14. The Road Bridge

The bridge over the River Maine was constructed from random rubble basalt in the late 18th century and has eight arches.

Once across the bridge note the Grand Entrance to Shane's Castle on the right.

15. Grand Entrance to Shane's Castle

Randalstown's links to the O'Neill family date back many centuries. In 1848, this flamboyant Tudor-style gateway was erected by the 3rd Viscount O'Neill and constructed of rubble basalt dressed in contrasting granite.

Cross the Station Road junction and continue along Shane's Street to Shane's Terrace on the left.

16. Shane's Terrace

This architecturally attractive row of stone cottages belongs to the O'Neill estate and occupies the site of the original railway station.

Turn back into Station Road and, passing the entrance to the viaduct pathway located on the left side of this road, continue to St Macnissi's Church.

17. St Macnissi's Roman Catholic Church

The original church was built in 1784 and altered extnsively in 1824 and 1894. A new church was completed in 1972 but was destroyed by arsonists in 1997. The replacement church, located beside the first church building and parochial house, was dedicated in December 1999.

18. Former Railway Station

Still on Station Road, the building located opposite the church gates is the former railway station. It is now a private residence.

About turn and proceed back to the viaduct pathway. At this point, have a rest at the picnic spot on Station Road or on the viaduct.

19. Railway Viaduct

The railway line and station were opened in 1848. The railway viaduct was built in 1855/56 and was constructed by William Dargan. Its designer, Charles Lanyon, was also responsible for designing Queen's University, the Custom House and other important buildings in Belfast. Sadly, in 1950 the station closed and the last train passed this way in 1959. The viaduct and part of the railway track were converted in the late 1990s into a walkway and cycle path leading from Station Road to New Street. It provides spectacular views of Randalstown, the River Maine and adjoining parkland of the O'Neill estate.

Proceed to the end of the path, cross New Street and turn towards the town centre, noting the church on the left.

20. First Randalstown Presbyterian Church

Built from basalt c. 1841, this classical building cost just over £700. The congregation was formed when dissenters refused to vacate the meeting house of the original Presbyterian congregation. Extensive alterations were carried out in 1898 and the Church was refurbished in 2000.

Continue along New Street towards the town centre. Drummaul House is hidden behind trees on the left.

21. Drummaul House (formerly Laurel Lodge)

Built in 1853, this was a former vicarage for the Church of Ireland minister. It is now a private nursing home.

At the end of New Street turn left onto Upper Main Street. Travel up the hill and when the road forks keep left. Continue on and the Church of Ireland is located on the left side.

22. Drummaul Parish Church

The Parish Church of St Brigid, which was in ruins in 1622, was rebuilt and used until the early years of the 18th century. The present church was built in 1831, replacing a former building (built 1709). It was extended in 1870 and 1883. The ruins of St Brigids's are still visible close to the first house towards the town.

Opposite the Church of Ireland stands the Old Congregation Presbyterian Church. Access is via the front entrance which is back down to the fork on the road, turn left and go past the Masonic Hall. The church is on the left.

23. Old Congregation Presbyterian Church

A Presbyterian congregation was founded in Randalstown in 1655. A church was erected c. 1690s and replaced in 1790 by the present one. Architecturally, this oval basalt building is one of the most unusual ecclesiastical buildings in Ulster. A gallery and hexagonal porch crowned by a bell tower were added in 1829. In 1929, the walls were raised, the oculus windows of the gallery formed and the minister's annexe built.

Return back down Main Street and pass Post Office. To the left stands the Northern Bank.

24. Northern Bank Building

The building was erected in 1868 and extended in 1903.

The original Market House is located on the opposite side of the road.

25. First Market House (Hurrell Electrical Building)

The building was erected in 1770 by Lord O'Neill as a Market House and assembly rooms but was badly damaged on 7 June 1798 when it was set alight by the United Irishmen. During the 1820s, the ground floor was used as a weigh house and for the storage of grain. For further information, please refer to the plaque on the wall.

Continue along Main Street and turn left onto the river pathway. The remains of the Old Bleach factory stand on the other side of the river and can be seen from the river pathway.

26. Remains of Old Bleach factory

Linen manufacturing was established in Randalstown in 1812, along with cotton spinning and calico weaving. In 1864, a large linen factory was built on the old ironworks site and subsequently, a flax mill which fell into decay in the 1840s. The new factory brought international fame to the Old Bleach brand for over a hundred years. At its peak (1930s) the factory employed over 1,000 people. It closed in the early 1980s and demolition commenced in 1994. You can almost hear the hustle and bustle of linen production echoing around the once proud buildings, which are now reduced to empty shells, open to the elements.

When the path divides, keep left and return to your starting point.