Bridge

The National Monuments Service's description

In Macroom, 3-phase sandstone road bridge (overall Wth 8.2m) crossing Sullane River (E-W). Damaged by flood in 1853 (O'Keeffe and Simington 1991, 203). Seven semicircular arches over the river with two inserted wide segmental arches on W side; remains of semicircular overflow arches on W bank. Earliest part of bridge appears to be the S side (Wth 5m); roughly cut voussoirs, pointed breakwaters. Two breakwaters rise to top of parapet wall, becoming semicircular in shape; eastern one topped by recess in parapet wall, which contains memorial to An tAthair Peadar Ua Laoghaire. Bridge widened to N by 3.2m with similar semicircular arches; third arch from E has rectangular ope (3.5m x 0.5m) in crown of arch covered by slabs and modern road surface, known locally as the "Hangman's Hole" (Barry 1985,152). Wide segmental arches on W end probably inserted after flooding, cut limestone voussoirs, prominent keystone.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009