Old Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Abandoned road bridge built of rubble stone with segmented arch spanning six metres springing from a vertical revetment approximately 900mm above river bed. Width of carriage way including parapets four metres, parapets no longer extant. The arch is constructed of long thin voissoirs set at right angles to tangent. This bridge spans the Castle River 40 metres downstream from the present Drummond bridge. From the 1860 Ordnance Survey map it would appear as if the Drumsurn Road passed under the Broad Road and later was raised to join it. This is as it appears on the 1900 Ordnance Survey map. The Broad Road was constructed in 1806 and later after 1860 had its alignment changed from the north side of Drumahose old church to the south side. Drummond bridge according to the Ordnance Survey Memoir was constructed in 1821. If so the abandoned bridge was the only crossing over the Castle River at this point

The Bridge enjoys a most romantic
setting in a sylvan prospect among the trees of Drenagh demesne

Historical information

The bridge is pre 1800 and more likely to be pre 1770.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Although abandoned it is a good example of a mid Georgian road bridge, narrow of its type.