Bridge in Barne

Double-arched road bridge over small unnamed stream (tributary of the Black River), built c. 1800. Rubble limestone construction spandrel walls and to parapets. Dressed limestone voussoirs to arches. Squared rubble limestone construction to arch barrels and to abutments. Rubble stone wing walls to either side (north and south). Located to the southeast of Edgeworthstown.

This simple small-scale bridge retains its early character and form. The presence of two small arches and the rubble stone construction to the spandrel walls and parapets suggests that it may be of considerable antiquity. The contrast between the good quality dressed limestone voussoirs to the arches and the rubble stone construction elsewhere creates an interesting textural contrast. The quality of stonework to the arches are indicative of the skill of the stonemasons and stone cutters involved in the original construction of this bridge. It probably dates to c. 1800, a period when a great many small-scale bridges were constructed throughout Ireland by the Grand Juries. This modest bridge is an addition to the built heritage of the local area, and adds interest to the rural landscape to the southeast of Edgeworthstown.