Bridge in Gorteenard

Single-arch masonry railway bridge, built c.1854, over the Portarlington to Tullamore section of the Athlone Branch of the Great Southern and Western Railway. Rock-faced limestone blocks, regularly coursed and with margined quoins to abutments. Semi-elliptical profile to arch with rusticated voussoirs. Spandrels and parapets with roughly dressed blocks and coped with finely dressed blocks. Deck is slightly curved and has ramped approaches.

The uniform rock-faced finish to the limestone used in the construction of the bridge imparts an impression of solidity and stability. Located on the Athlone Branch of the Great Southern and Western Railway, south-east of the disused Geashill station, this bridge forms part of an important group of railway related structures and contributes to the architectural heritage of County Offaly. It is one of seventeen intact masonry bridges on this line, fifteen of which are road over rail.