Survey Data
Reg No
15404002
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Social, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1830 - 1836
Coordinates
236956, 231532
Date Recorded
03/11/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Single-arch canal bridge spanning dried-up section of the Grand Canal (Kilbeggan Branch), built c.1833, with curved flanking walls to either end (northeast and southwest). Constructed of ashlar limestone with ashlar limestone voussoirs to arch and a projecting ashlar limestone string course at road level. Towpath to the east bank. Located to the south of Tyrrellspass close to the border with Co. Offaly (south).
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 Grand Canal Company at the start of the nineteenth century. This bridge was built as part of Kilbeggan Branch of the Grand Canal, which was constructed between 1830-36 by the engineer William Dargan (1799-1867). Dargan had previously worked on the London-Holyhead rail link lead by the great English engineer Thomas Telford and he later went on to become one of Ireland's foremost railway engineers. This section of the canal was officially closed in 1961 but had been out of use from the end of the nineteenth century due to competition from the railway and road transport networks. This bridge is an appealing feature in the landscape of south Westmeath.