Survey Data
Reg No
30405702
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1650 - 1850
Coordinates
142648, 243392
Date Recorded
01/11/2009
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Twelve or thirteen-arch road bridge, over River Clare. Ten western round arches are of probable seventeenth-century date, seventh arch being over original channel of river, and twelfth segmental arch is dated 1848. North elevation of western arches flanked by cutwaters with pedestrian refuges above. Bridge widened to south side, possibly during drainage works of 1848. Segmental arch to river has draughted and pecked limestone voussoirs to arch rings, coursed hammer-finished ashlar limestone to spandrels and parapets, dressed hammer-finished limestone copings with modern decorative metal lantern brackets and square-edged string course to parapet. Plaque to inner face of north parapet reads 'Corofin Bridge Drainage Commission 1848' and also bears crow's foot benchmark. Random rubble limestone walls to adjacent fields with stile and stone steps to east. Tarmacadamed carriageway.
Appraisal
This ancient road bridge has carried traffic over the River Clare for more than three centuries. The well detailed stonework exemplifies the skill of local craftsmen, and the survival of pedestrial refuges is rare and of considerable interest.