Lime Kiln,

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A basalt and limestone rubble structure with battered faces to front and sides, on a square plan, built into the side of a hill. There is a draw hole with a lintel head, still open, at the bottom of the front face set within three orders of segmental arches, each recessed within the other. Voussoirs are mainly of limestone with some of basalt. There is the outline of a later gabled addition to the front face indicated by traces of cement render over the outermost arch. The circular charging hole on top has some of the lining stonework missing, and is now filled up and has vegetation growing in it.

SETTING: The structure stands in a very rural area, on an elevated position in a field overlooking Carnlough Bay.

Historical information

Precise date of building not known but it appears on the OS map of 1832. Built for the small-scale burning of white limestone, commonly known as chalk, to reduce it to a rough powder for various uses.

References – Primary Sources
1. OS Map 1832, Co Antrim 25.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

This is an example of a once-common type of structure which is still numerous, but usually, as in this case, is derelict or in incomplete condition.