Survey Data
Reg No
40829009
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1800 - 1840
Coordinates
212207, 409007
Date Recorded
10/11/2010
Date Updated
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Description
Single-arched bridge carrying road over small stream discharging into River Swilly to the north, built c. 1820. Segmental-headed arch with dressed stone voussoirs; squared rubble stone construction to arch barrel. Cut stone stringcourses running through arch barrel at arch springing point. Squared and coursed rubble stone construction to spandrels and abutments. Rubble stone construction to parapets with rubble stone\field stone voussoirs over. Tarmacadam deck with grass verges. Located in the rural countryside to the south-west of Letterkenny.
Appraisal
This small-scale but attractive single-arch bridge, of early nineteenth-century century date, retains its original form and character, and is an appealing feature in the landscape to the south-west of Letterkenny. It is robustly-constructed in local squared rubble stone masonry, and its continued survival and use stands as testament to the quality of its original construction, and of the skill of the masons involved. The dressed voussoirs to the arch and the stringcourses running through the arch barrel are interesting features that help to elevate this bridge above many of its contemporaries in Donegal. The gently sweeping arch contrasts with the rubble stone masonry that is vernacular in character and creates a visually appealing composition over the small stream. It was probably originally constructed during the first decades of the nineteenth century, a period that saw a great deal of road and bridge-building in Ireland, particularly by the Grand Juries (the forerunners of the County Councils). This unassuming rustic bridge is an addition to both the built heritage of the local area and to the extensive transport heritage of County Donegal.