Alan O’Rourke
Irish railways used a number of methods to mark distances: the symbolic steel sheet squares, diamonds, triangles and arrow-heads of the MGWR were probably the most original design. Other companies used metal, stone or wooden markers. The GSWR used substantial granite mileposts on its original lines, but later, and on the absorbed WLWR routes, used the smaller cast iron patterns shown here. These diagrams come from drawing in the IRRS archives. I am grateful to the Society for permission to reproduce this and Brendan Pender for his help in accessing the archives.
Quarter-mile marker
Half- and three-quarter-mile posts
Side and front elevations of the top section of a whole mile marker
Side and front elevations upright. Height from bottom surface of base plate to lower edge og the numeral plate is 3ft 4.5in
GSWR stone milepost and cast iron quarter milepost, both from near Nenagh
New Irish Lines 