Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A shallow segmental span carries a two-lane road (+ footpaths on either side) over the River Finn. The bridge is of finely dressed sandstone blocks, regularly laid, throughout. The voussoirs are vee-jointed and step into the spandrels' horizontal coursing.

Each of the several basal courses of the abutments step out progressively into the water. A projecting finely-dressed string course runs across the upstream (east) face just above arch crown level. The parapets terminate in out-projecting piers around which the string course continues. Their copings are rounded in cross-section.

A narrow paved access track, undoubtedly original, leads down to the water's edge on the upstream left bank.

The bridge has been widened on the downstream (west) side in the relatively recent past by the addition of a flat reinforced-concrete span. This obscures most of the original bridge facing and approach walls. The original parapet and coping have, however, been reused.
A water pipe is carried across this face. A massive concrete buttress now obscures most of the upstream approach wall on the right bank.

Historical information

This bridge is shown on the 1834 OS 6" map and subsequent editions. Judging by its style was probably erected in the period 1820-40. The downstream face is shown on the HMBB 1972 survey slide (wrongly labelled HB12/02/043).

Primary sources:
1. OS 6" map, 1st edition 1834, Co Fermanagh sheet 40 (PRONI OS 6/4/40/1).
2. OS 6" map, 2nd edition 1857, Co Fermanagh sheet 40 (PRONI OS 6/4/40/2).
3. OS 6" map, 3rd edition 1907, Co Fermanagh sheet 40 (PRONI OS 6/4/40/3).
4. HMBB survey card, 1972

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Would merit listing were it not for the fact that most of the original structure is now obscured by more recent additions.