Pass Br.

According to the Countess of Drogheda (1902-3, 235), the bridge was possibly crossed by the Earl of Essex in 1599, and later by Cromwell on his way to destroy Lea Castle in Co. Laois (LA005-006----). A five-arch bridge (L c. 40m; Wth 4.1m) spans the S-flowing River Barrow, just N of Monasterevin. It is constructed of roughly coursed, undressed limestone blocks and, although rebuilt in places, appears to contain a good deal of original fabric. It has been extensively repointed and the bases of the piers are of concrete. Four triangular cutwaters on the N, upstream, face rise the full height and are incorporated into the parapet as small refuges. Similar cutwaters on the S-face are only the height of the base of the piers. Traces of a sixth, lower, blocked-up, overgrown arch are visible on the S-face of the bridge at its W end. It is also known as 'Ballagh Bridge'. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 20 October 2011