Bridge

The National Monuments Service's description

Multi-arched stone bridge depicted on a map of Kilmallock town dating from c. 1600 (TCD, MS 1209/62). On this map the bridge is shown spanning the River Loobagh to the W of Kilmallock Mill (LI047-022067-) which carries the medieval road labelled on the map as 'The high way to Limericke' (ibid.).
Present post 1700 stone bridge known as the North Bridge may contain early medieval fabric of the bridge depicted on the map of Kilmallock dating from c. 1600. The present bridge was described by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage [NIAH] as following ; 'Five-arch road bridge over the River Loobagh, built c. 1800, rebuilt in 1916 and may contain early medieval fabric. Random coursed rubble limestone walls with cast-iron ties and inscribed plaque to west parapet wall. Dressed voussoirs to round-headed arches. Limestone and cement V-cutwaters to north elevation. Square-headed arch having concrete lintel to south. This well proportioned bridge incorporates an early limestone plaque, which is of some archaeological significance. The bridge may incorporate elements pre-dating the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. As the road forms the main route leading north from Kilmallock, it is possible that a bridge was located there from the medieval period' (www.buildingsofireland.ie; Reg. No. 21813061).

Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien

Date of upload: 27 September 2019

References

TCD, MS 1209/62 Trinity College Dublin, Towne of Kilmallock in the County of Limerick, per Joanes. Hardiman Atlas. Dublin.