bridge

Double-arched bridge carrying road over small unnamed stream, built c. 1800, having V-profile rubble stone cutwater to the central pier to both the upstream and downstream elevations (north and south). Round-headed arches having dressed rubble stone voussoirs; rubble stone construction to the arch barrel. Coursed rubble stone construction to pier, spandrels, and parapets with rendered coping over parapets. Some damage to parapet to the north. Sides now partially overgrown with vegetation. Tarmacadam deck with grass verges. Located in the rural countryside to the north of Raphoe.

This simple but appealing double-arched road bridge retains much its early character and form, and is an appealing feature in the landscape to the north of Raphoe. This bridge is robustly-constructed in local rubble stone masonry, and its continued survival and use stands as testament to the quality of its original construction, and of the skill of the masons involved. The good quality dressed voussoirs to the arches and the cutwater help to elevate this bridge above many of its contemporaries in the area. This bridge probably dates to the first decades of the nineteenth century, a period that witnessed a large expansion in the rural road network in Ireland - and the subsequent building of numerous bridges - which was mainly carried out by the Grand Juries (the forerunners of the County Councils). This appealing rustic bridge is an integral element of the built heritage and transport heritage of the local area, and makes a positive contribution to the landscape.