County Offaly - Wed Nov 08 13:43:14 GMT 2017

Main Record - County Offaly
Chain Bridge, Birr, County Offaly 14819263 Reg. No. 14819263 Date 1820 - 1830 Previous Name N/A Townland TOWNPARKS (BB. BY.) County County Offaly Coordinates 205683, 204923 Categories of Special Interest ARCHITECTURAL HISTORICAL TECHNICAL Rating National Original Use foot bridge In Use As foot bridge   Description Single-span wire suspension footbridge, built in 1826, within the grounds of Birr Castle over the River Camcor. Hung from reinforced-concrete uprights. Anchored to the ground behind with a pair of diagonal wrought-iton rods. Timber deck. Bridge accessed through pointed-arched openings with wrought-iron gate to opening on northern bank. Appraisal This bridge is one of only two suspension bridges in Offaly; the other is at Kinnity Castle. It is of significant technical interest as a rare surviving example of a multiple-wire cable suspension bridge, possibly the earliest surviving in Europe. It is also significant in terms of its historical association with the innovative Parsons family. The bridge also lends interest to the riverscape and it contributes to the group of structures within Birr demesne by providing access across the River Camcor.   Back To Results