Bridge

The National Monuments Service's description

The source of the record is a reference by Carrigan in ‘The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory’ (1905, ii, 180-1) as follows: ‘In 1847, when the bed of the Nore was being deepened by the Board of Works the foundations of an ancient oak bridge were come upon at a depth of several feet, where the river flows between the townlands of Kildreenagh and Coldharbour. In the same spot and at the same level were found much human remains, among them a skull of extraordinary size; also several steel swords, almost eaten away with rust; several swords of bronze, all perfect, and shaped like flaggers; and part of an iron helmet. The people say that a fierce battle, which they call the "Battle of Kildreenagh," was fought here, very long ago between the men of Munster and the men of Ossory.’ Carrigan is mistaken in noting that the Nore flows between the townlands of Kildreenagh (Kildrinagh) and Coldharbour and appears to have confused these with the adjoining townlands of the same name some 30km to the south in County Kilkenny. While it is reasonable to suggest that the present bridge is on the site of the ‘ancient oak bridge’ this is by no means certain and the current ITM coordinates should only be considered as indicative of the general area where the works were undertaken in 1847. No visible traces survive. (Sweetman et al. 1995, no. 1042, p. 128)

Compiled by: Paul Walsh

Date of upload: 4 September 2017

References

Sweetman, D., Alcock, O and Moran, B. 1995 Archaeological inventory of county Laois. Dublin. Stationery Office.