Bridge (Rail/River)

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

This bridge carried the former double-track Goraghwood – Newry railway over the Bessbrook River.

The bridge comprises a single semicircular span and is of granite throughout. The abutments are of large rock-faced blocks laid in regular courses; two courses project at foundation level. The spandrels, parapets and wing walls are of squared random rubble brought to courses. The abutments and parapet are coped with dressed blocks, many of which are now dislodged. The parapet on the west side is missing except for a basal course. Embellishment takes the form of a finely-dressed chamfered string course through the arch at spring level (returning around the quoins), and rusticated quoins and voussoirs. The arch soffit comprises dressed granite blocks set orthogonally.

The railway line is embanked to the north of the bridge; all traces of it have been cleared on the south side.

Historical information

Line constructed by Newry & Enniskillen Railway Company and opened in 1854. Intended to link with Enniskillen, but line constructed only as far as Armagh. At Goraghwood, the line crossed the Belfast – Dublin railway. With laying of line between Edward St Station and Dublin Rd Station in 1861, this line also connected with Warrenpoint. Line acquired by Great Northern Railway Co in 1879. Closed 1965.

Sources:

1. D. Fitzgerald, 1996, The Warrenpoint branch (Omagh: Colourpoint Press).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Although a good example of its type, it does not have the technical interest or quality of detailing as the road bridge to its south (HB16/25/031).