Wattle Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Wattle Bridge carries a two-lane main road over the River Finn. It comprises three equi-sized segmental arches and is of coursed limestone rubble, brought to courses. The quoins of the abutments and piers are of finely dressed masonry, as are the voussoirs. There are cutwaters to both faces, also of finely dressed masonry blocks, rounded in cross-section, and embellished, at arch crown level, with moulded conical sandstone caps. The abutments and piers are footed in concrete and the arch undersides gunited. Both parapets have been completely rebuilt in the recent past, but the original thin coping flags have been reused.

Historical information

Moll's 1714 map explicitly cites 'Wattle Bridge' at this location, as does the 1834 OS 6" map and subsequent editions. The 1835 Ordnance Survey Memoir notes this road as the mail coach route between Enniskillen and Dublin (via Cavan). Judging by its style of construction, the present bridge was probably of earlier 19th century date.

Primary sources:
1. H. Moll, A New Map of Ireland (1714).
2. OS 6" map, 1st edition 1834, Co Fermanagh sheet 43 (PRONI OS 6/4/43/1).
3. Ordnance Survey Memoir, Co Fermanagh, 1835.
4. OS 6" map, 2nd edition 1857, Co Fermanagh sheet 43 (PRONI OS 6/4/43/2).
5. OS 6" map, 3rd edition 1907, Co Fermanagh sheet 43 (PRONI OS 6/4/43/3).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
F. Structural System
H-. Alterations detracting from building
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

A well executed and maintained bridge which also gives character to the landscape hereabouts.