Survey Data

Reg No

15310223


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Architectural, Technical


Original Use

Bridge


In Use As

Bridge


Date

1805 - 1810


Coordinates

243836, 253492


Date Recorded

19/05/2006


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Single-arch hump-backed canal bridge carrying footpath over Royal Canal supply line (15310148) from Lough Owel, built c.1806. Constructed of ashlar limestone with ashlar limestone detailing including projecting string course at parapet base level/footpath level. Located on north bank of Royal Canal at junction of canal feeder line.

Appraisal

A typically well-built canal bridge, which is a valuable part of the architectural heritage of Westmeath and the industrial heritage of Ireland. Although humble in form, this structure has a simple and functional elegance. It is robustly built in fine stone masonry, which is testament to the long term ambitions of the Royal Canal Company at the start of the nineteenth century. This bridge marks the end of the canal supply line, which runs 3.2 kms from Lough Owel to the northwest. This bridge is smaller than all other bridges built by the Royal Canal Company in Westmeath, crossing the canal supply line rather than the canal itself.