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Randalstown
Randalstown is located near the shores of Lough Neagh between the
towns of Antrim and Toome.
Randalstown has a
strong history of linen and iron industries. A memorial to this
history is in the middle of the town and made from the original
turbine used to generate mains electricity for the town and items
salvaged from the Old Bleach Linen Company founded by James Webb in
1864. An old linen mill chimney from the Old Bleach factory can be
seen from most parts of the town The town also has a very prominent
disused railway viaduct.
Shanes Castle is located on the road into Antrim Town from
Randalstown. Shane's Castle is the family seat of the O'Neills of
Clandeboy. The Demesne is one of the most beautiful and well
maintained in Ireland with a rich variety of fauna, flora, insect
and bird life. There has been a herd of fallow deer at Shane's
Castle for many years. Although the Castle has been in ruins since
the fire of 1816, the remaining structure, including a unique
Camellia House is a striking feature in the landscape.
Randalstown Forest is a mixed conifer forest containing a visitor
centre, deer park, a national nature reserve and wild fowl refuge
area. Craigmore Fishery, a Fly Fishing facility is located on the
outskirts of the town. |