Tamniarin Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A 5 arch random rubble stone bridge across the River Roe 2 miles east of Dungiven.

The 5 arches are almost semi-circular of approximately 6 metres span with deep thin schist voissoirs springing from low wide supporting walls which terminate at each end in pointed breakwaters with pyramidal tops all built in random rubble. The bases of the wall supports are strengthened with concrete aprons. The tops of the breakwaters are above the springing line of the arches. The soffits of the arches are roughly mortared and 2 tie rods are threaded through the bridge between patress plates at each arch halfway above the springing line. On the S E end of the bridge abutment is the top of a 6th arch and it is unlikely that water ever flowed through it. In normal times water flows through 2 arches.

The abutments of the bridge are long, the overall length of the parapet walls being 66 metres and while these are straight over the river they curve at the N W end where the road bends and widen at the other end. Parapet copings are in flat weathered concrete. The parapets have been raised as vertical stone parapeting is visible in parts beneath the present parapet level.

The bridge has a fine
setting at the S E end of the Benady Glen and a 1½ mile distance above the medieval Augustinian Church site and later Plantation fortified house. It is on the main road from Dungiven to Cookstown. A laneway at the S E end of the bridge parapet allows access for carts to the water’s edge.

Historical information

A late 18th century bridge across the river Roe and apart from general maintenance and strengthening is little altered. It is on the route from Dungiven to Cookstown and further south. John McCluskey refers to this route as “The great road from Derry to Cookstown”. The O.S. Memoirs refers to the road having a width of 20 feet, which is the width between the bridge parapets, and being in good repair.

IHR. No. 1990

References

Primary Sources
1. O.S. map 1st Edition 1832 Londonderry sh. 31
2. O.S. Memoirs – Parishes of Co Londonderry IV 1824, 1833-5
Ed. Angélique Day and Patrick McWilliams (Q.U.B. 1992) p. 10

Secondary Sources
1. John McCluskey – Statistical Reports of Six Derry Parishes 1821 p. 74
Ed. David O’Kane Ballinascreen Historical Society 1983.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
J. Setting
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

A fine 5 arch random rubble stone bridge of late 18th century crossing the River Roe at the eastern end of Benady Glen. It enjoys a romantic setting and along with the group value of Corick bridge (HB02/07/021) merits listing.