Dublin Mile Markers

The 10 milestone in Ashbourne is not that easy to spot unless you are looking for it, over the years it has become integrated into the wall of the Stag’s Head pub. It is most often painted in the same colors as the pub wall which makes it blend in, although currently the writing is picked out in white making it a little more noticeable.

The marker states that it is 10 miles to the General Post Office (GPO) building in Dublin, it marks the distance in Irish miles. An Irish mile is 2048 meters which is somewhat longer than an English mile.  

The other side of the stone marks the 12 Irish miles distance to Slane.

The milestones were erected along the road from Glasnevin to Curragha when it was built between 1809 and 1820.  At the time, tolls were in place to pay for the upkeep of the road and the tolls were based on the number of miles a traveler used making mile markers a necessity. On top of the stone are further cryptic markings.