Castletown Standing Stone, Antrim

Castletown

Standing Stone

Perched near the top of a ridge is the huge boulder known locally as "Buchanan's Stone". It is 2.2 metres tall and to the south west overlooks Ballynure and Ballyclare. As we approached the gateway to the field west of the monolith the heavens opened. Being aptly dressed we carried on walking up the field. It had recently been covered with a coating of slurry, we had to tread carefully as we made our way up to the top of the ridge, the grass being wet and slippery. That was not the end of our bad luck, as it proved impossible to gain access to the field containing the stone due to barbed wire fencing. It might be possible on a sunny day but much too dangerous to attempt today.

Castletown Standing Stone Perched near the top of a ridge is the huge boulder known locally as "Buchanan's Stone". It is 2.2 metres tall and to the south west overlooks Ballynure and Ballyclare. As we approached the gateway to the field west of the monolith the heavens opened. Being aptly dressed we carried on walking up the field. It had recently been covered with a coating of slurry, we had to tread carefully as we made our way up to the top of the ridge, the grass being wet and slippery. That was not the end of our bad luck, as it proved impossible to gain access to the field containing the stone due to barbed wire fencing. It might be possible on a sunny day but much too dangerous to attempt today.
From the West
Situated: About 6 kilometres from Carrickfergus. From there drive north on the B58. After 4k turn right onto the B99. Two kilometres turn left at the crossroads. After 3 kms, go the crossroads the stone is in the field on your right 500 metres beyond the crossroads. Discovery Map 15: J 335 942. Last visit March 2011. Longitude: 5° 55' 31" W Latitude: 54° 46' 42" N Google Map. Photos: Jim Dempsey and Deb Snelson.