Bridge over Kilkeel River

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

This bridge carries a minor road over the Kilkeel River. It comprises a skew semicircular culvert in granite throughout. The abutments, spandrels and parapets are of coursed rubble and the voussoirs are finely dressed. The parapet is coped with large granite blocks. The bed of the river is paved and there is an artificial fall immediately below the culvert.

The arch rises to a maximum height of 2.5m and has a span of 1.9m. Compared with the depth of the walling above its arch crown, this opening is very small. A substantial portion of the approach wall on the downstream left side has been repaired in squared granite blocks laid in regular courses and strap pointed. One of these stones carries a 10cm high inscription '1909' (presumably the date of repair).

Historical information

Bridge shown on 1834 OS 6” map and subsequent editions. Repairs carried out 1909.

Primary Sources:
1. PRONI – OS 6/3/56/1 (1834 OS first edition map) (Down sheet 56).
2. PRONI – OS 6/3/56/2 (second edition map) (Down sheet 56).
3. PRONI – OS 6/3/56/3 (third edition map) (Down sheet 56).
4. Datestone.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Of some interest on account of contrasting 19th century rubble stonework and early 20th century coursed granite blockwork.