Gortnacarrow Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Gortnacarrow Bridge carries the main Belturbet - Clones road over the River Finn. The main section, over the river, comprises three equi-sized arches; there is also a fourth, smaller, arch on the right (east) bank, dry in normal circumstances. There are also four narrower flood arches - one along the approach road from the east, and three on the west approach; that at extreme west has been rebuilt in cast concrete.

The bridge is of random rubble throughout, with dressed voussoirs. The main section has angled cutwaters to both faces, up to parapet base level. The projecting stones which formerly supported the arch falsework are still evident inside the arches at spring level. The parapets are coped with large squared limestone blocks.

The piers of the three river spans are footed in concrete and the inside surfaces of all arches have been gunited. Large sections of both parapets have been rebuilt in the recent past in random rubble. There are six concrete buttresses to the downstream/ left approach wall.

Historical information

'Gortnacarrow Bridge' is explicitly cited on the 1834 OS 6" map and subsequent editions. The present bridge is probably of later 18th century date.

Primary sources:
1. OS 6" map, 1st edition 1834, Co Fermanagh sheet 43 (PRONI OS 6/4/43/1).
2. OS 6" map, 2nd edition 1857, Co Fermanagh sheet 43 (PRONI OS 6/4/43/2).
3. 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
D. Plan Form
F. Structural System
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

A well executed and maintained medium sized causeway bridge lending character to the landscape hereabouts.