Ballyhoe Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Three semicircular spans carry a two-lane road over the River Finn. The central arch is slightly wider than the flankers, and all are of similar height. There is also a small flood arch on the right bank. The bridge is of random rubble limestone. There are angled cutwaters, rising to just below parapet level, on both faces. The voussoirs of the arch nearest the right bank (ie at NE) are of dressed stone, as is its adjoining downstream cutwater - both indicate later repairs. The parapet coping on the upstream (SE) side is of dressed blocks, with rustication to all faces. On the downstream side, the copings are of split rubble laid on end. The carriageway has a slightly humped deck and there is a footpath down each side. The downstream approach wall has a dressed stone buttress. A pipe is carried across the upstream face. Part of the upstream/left approach wall has been rebuilt in shuttered concrete, and part of the downstream/ right approach with concrete blockwork. The abutments, piers and soffits have been gunited.

Historical information

Ballyhoe Bridge is cited on the 1834 OS 6" map and subsequent editions. This was once the main route between Belturbet and Clones. Its lack of embellishment suggests a late 18th or early 19th 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
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
F. Structural System
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

A well proportioned bridge retaining much original character despite later repairs, and a strong landscape feature hereabouts.