Survey Data
Reg No
15401005
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1805 - 1815
Coordinates
227555, 258982
Date Recorded
21/10/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Single-arch hump-backed canal bridge carrying small road over Royal Canal, built c.1810. Constructed of dressed limestone with ashlar limestone detailing including projecting string course at parapet base level/road level and copping over parapets. Cut stone piers to ends of parapet walling. Towpath runs under bridge to south. Located to the west of Ballynacarrigy and adjacent to canal lock (15401006) and lock keeper's house (15401007).
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. The use of locally sourced material gives it a distinctive visual appeal and helps to integrate this feature into the local landscape. Forms an attractive group of associated structures with the canal lock (15401006) and canal keeper's house (15401007) adjacent to the east.