Survey Data
Reg No
15310223
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1805 - 1810
Coordinates
243836, 253492
Date Recorded
19/05/2006
Date Updated
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Description
Single-arch hump-backed canal bridge carrying footpath over Royal Canal supply line (15310148) from Lough Owel, built c.1806. Constructed of ashlar limestone with ashlar limestone detailing including projecting string course at parapet base level/footpath level. Located on north bank of Royal Canal at junction of canal feeder line.
Appraisal
A typically well-built canal bridge, which is a valuable part of the architectural heritage of Westmeath and the industrial heritage of Ireland. Although humble in form, this structure has a simple and functional elegance. It is robustly built in fine stone masonry, which is testament to the long term ambitions of the Royal Canal Company at the start of the nineteenth century. This bridge marks the end of the canal supply line, which runs 3.2 kms from Lough Owel to the northwest. This bridge is smaller than all other bridges built by the Royal Canal Company in Westmeath, crossing the canal supply line rather than the canal itself.