bridge, PLUCK

Single-arch rail bridge, c. 1883, carrying former Burt Junction to Letterkenny narrow gauge railway line over road. Railway out of use and tracks removed (since 1953). Segmental-headed arch with brick voussoirs and with brick construction to arch barrel; coursed and squared mildly rock-faced rubble stone construction to piers and to arch below springing point. Drafted margins to piers. Squared rubble stone construction to spandrels and to parapets. Rubble stone coping to parapets. Rubble stone retaining walls to either side bridge. Tarmacadam deck with grass verges to road; former track bed overgrown. Located in the rural countryside to the south-west of Manorcunningham and to the south-east of Letterkenny.

This former railway bridge retains its original form and character despite the closure of the line in 1953. It is well-built using local rubble stone masonry while the brick construction to the arch barrel and the brick voussoirs to the arch are a feature of many late Victorian railway bridges in Ireland. This bridge was originally built by the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company as part of the Derry Middle Quay to Burtonport railway line, which opened as far as Letterkenny in June 1883. It remained in use until the closure of the line in July 1953. The bridge is one of a number of similar structures in the area associated with this company; bridges were built to particular styles by the various railway companies. This bridge is now acts as an historical reminder of the formerly extensive railway network in County Donegal, and is an integral element of the built heritage and transport history of Donegal, adding interest to the rural environs of Pluck.