Rahan Bridge

Triple-arch masonry road bridge, built in 1736, over the River Clodiagh, with sigle-arch section, built in 1850, by P.J. Klasen, district engineer. Earlier phase of random rubble with V-shaped cutwaters. Semicircular arches and voussoirs of roughly dressed stonework. Later phase with skew masonry arch. Abutments of rock-faced limestone blocks, laid to courses, with rusticated and margined quoins. Finely dressed string course. Parapet coped with rusticated blocks. Plaques in both downstream parapets giving dates of construction.

This two-phase bridge is of architectural interest in demonstrating the contrasting construction styles of the mid eighteenth-century and the mid nineteenth-centuries. It is of historical significance as it has date plaques from both periods. The later phase was part of the work of the Board of Works during the Brosna drainage scheme. The earlier plaque read: 'Erected in Dom 1736 John Borre WC and Hurd Will [?] Here Lt Esqs Overseers'. The later plaque reads: 'Board of Public Works Drainage Acts 5 & 6 Vic C89.8 &9. Vic 69, 9 Vic C4,10 & 11 Vic 79 Rahan Bridge 1850 P.J. Klasen Dist. Engr.'