Bridge

The National Monuments Service's description

This four-arch bridge, constructed of mortared stone, straddles the Graigueabbey River. It is c. 130m to the S of the site of the 'Spitle Gate', the S gateway to the medieval town of Athenry (GA084-001----). When initially visited in 1984 it was described as being in good condition: each arch was c. 2.3m wide at the base and two piers or breakwaters were visible on the upstream side. Wickerwork centring, indicating that the bridge has a medieval core, was noted in three of the arches, while the mortar bed in the fourth was in a very poor condition. The river just flowed through the latter most north-westerly arch. The bridge has been widened in more recent times, but was originally 3.25m wide. Since then the river has been widened and it now flows through the two most north-westerly arches; the other two arches are partially blocked. The uppermost part of a third pier or breakwater has been exposed by the removal of weeds and scrub around the base of the bridge (information from J. O'Sullivan 2009).

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Date of upload: 6 April 2017