bridge

Single-span cast-iron road draw bridge over canal, c.1825, retaining early mechanisms. Cast-iron I-beams with supports and early mechanisms having chain links to span. Single flat (lifting) span. Steel deck in cast-iron frame. Sited spanning Grand Canal (Athy Branch). Grass banks to canal.

This bridge is a fine draw bridge that forms an attractive feature on the Grand Canal (Athy Branch) and is one of a group of bridges on the section of that canal that passes through County Kildare. The construction of the bridge in cast-iron is of technical and engineering merit, while early mechanisms also remain intact (although now converted to electric power). The bridge is of considerable historical and social significance as a reminder of the canal network development in Ireland, which brought about many technical advances while encouraging commercial and industrial activity.