Historic Buildings Record · Northern Ireland
Ryan Bridge
Ryan/ Desert, Newry, Mourne and Down, Northern Ireland
The record
- Designation
- Record only (not listed)
- Grade
- Record Only
- Type
- Demolished
- Date of construction
- 1780 - 1799
- Address
- Ryan Bridge, Ryan Road, Rathfriland, Newry, Co Down, BT34 5BJ
- Townland
- Ryan/ Desert
- Council
- Newry, Mourne and Down
- Country
- Northern Ireland
- Coordinates
- 54.21087, -6.25956
- Date of survey
- 28 February 2000
- HB reference
- HB16/14/024
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1636 "Vltoniae Orientalis Pars" (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
The Department's description
Exterior description and setting
The original triple arch masonry bridge over the Clanrye River has been replaced with a single horizontal span of reinforced concrete. The slab deck rests on concrete abutments. Vertical metal railings form parapets to both sides. The original rubble approach walls appear to have been rebuilt and are heavily pointed in cement.
Historical information
The earlier rubble bridge is shown (uncaptioned) on the 1834 first edition OS 6” map; it was probably of 18th century date. The 1972 HMBB survey card notes it as being of rubble masonry. The arches had triple keystones and the parapets were coped with flat stones (and extended to north as field walls). The north arch was apparently dry in normal circumstances. Triangular cutwaters to piers. Slightly hump-backed carriageway.
Primary Sources:
1. PRONI: OS 6” maps, 1st edition 1834, Co Down sheet 47.
2. HMBB survey card dated 14 Dec 1972.
Criteria for listing: architectural interest
Not listed
Criteria for listing: historic interest
Not listed
Evaluation
Original bridge demolished. The present bridge is of no special merit.
Nearby in the register
- 60 Old Newry RoadHouseunder 1 mi
- Croan BridgeBridgeunder 1 mi
- Ryans Presbyterian ChurchChurchunder 1 mi
- Hawkin's BridgeBridgeunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.