Ballygalley Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A single arched masonry bridge over a stream, built of snecked basalt rubble with cut-stone voussoirs to the semi-circular arch which springs from projecting imposts and spans between buttress piers. There is a projecting platband over the arch at carriageway level, and weathered caps to the buttress piers which project above the parapet copings. The south face is largely intact and forms part of the boundary to the grounds of Ballygally Castle and is visible from those grounds. The north face, toward the sea, is partly obscured owing to the widening of the bridge and its appearance spoiled by concrete parapets and a concrete surround.

SETTING: The bridge is located within the built-up area of the village with an open aspect toward the sea.

Historical information

The year of construction is not known but the bridge appears for the first time on the second Ordnance Survey map of 1857. Built therefore between 1833 and 1857. The bridge stands within the area of a monument, SMR. ANT35:15.

References - Primary

1. OS Map 1857, Co Antrim 35.

Secondary

1. IHR 6854.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

An early to mid-19th century engineered bridge, partly spoiled, but whose south face contributes to the setting of the nearby tower house, Ballygally Castle.