Watercastle Br. — Granafallow,watercastle

Bridge of 'Castle Coote' now Watercastle (LA029-024----) Bridge clearly marked on the 1563 map of Leix and Offaly. Bridge was widened after 1841 and shown on 1841 map as a bridge located on the Durrow-Abbeyleix section of the Old Mail Coach Road. When the bridge was widened in the nineteenth century the original pre 1563 bridge survived (Simington and O'Keeffe 1991, 175-6). Originally spanning the River Nore, now on dry land on W bank as a result of diverting the course of the river. The 1841 edition OS 6 inch map depicts three cutwaters on each side of the bridge, indicating four arch-spans. Four overgrown arches survive, a central pair with two others, one on each side, some distance away. The arch rings on the upriver side appear to be original , those downriver indicate the bridge was widened. One arch with evidence of punching on some stones indicate a pre-1563 date (Simington and O'Keeffe 1991, 175-6). Most of the present bridge dates from the nineteenth century, it is possible that one or two of the arches of the earlier bridge were retained in the design of the upstanding nineteenth century bridge. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007