Survey Data

Reg No

15401010


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Architectural, Technical


Original Use

Bridge


In Use As

Bridge


Date

1805 - 1815


Coordinates

228510, 259031


Date Recorded

21/10/2004


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Single-arch canal accommodation bridge carrying small road over Royal Canal, built c.1810. Constructed of coursed limestone with sections of rendered over having ashlar limestone detailing including projecting string course at parapet base level/road level and copping over parapets. Cut stone piers to ends of parapet walling. Towpath runs under bridge to south. Located to the southwest of Ballynacarrigy.

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. The use of locally sourced material gives it a distinctive visual appeal and helps to integrate this feature into the local landscape. This bridge has evidence of roughcast render to the sides, an unusual feature for canal bridges along this section of the Royal Canal.