Survey Data
Reg No
40902925
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1780 - 1820
Coordinates
235444, 433787
Date Recorded
24/10/2008
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Triple-arch bridge carrying road over the River Crana, built c. 1800, having V-profile rubble stone cutwaters to central piers to both upstream and downstream elevations. Some modern alterations to cutwaters to the north-east side with modern water pipe added. segmental-headed arches having roughly dressed and squared rubble stone voussoirs; rubble stone construction to arch barrels. Rubble stone construction to piers, abutments, spandrels and parapets; crenellated rubble stone coping to parapets. Rubble stone domed caps to cutwaters to the south-west elevation, cement capping to cutwaters to the north-east elevation. Tarmacadam deck. Rubble stone\cobble paving to river bed below. Located in the rural countryside to the north\north-east of the centre of Buncrana.
Appraisal
This appealing triple-arch bridge retains its early character and form, despite some modifications, and is an appealing feature in the scenic rural landscape to the north\north-east of Buncrana. It is robustly-constructed in local rubble stone masonry, and its continued survival and use stands as testament to the quality of its original construction, and of the skill of the masons involved. The unrefined rubble stone construction creates rather a picturesque and rustic appearance, while the three graceful arches, rubble stone cutwaters, and the crenellated parapet all add to its appeal. This bridge probably dates to the end of the eighteenth century or the first decades of the nineteenth century, a period that saw a great deal of road and bridge-building in Ireland, particularly by the Grand Juries (the forerunners of the County Councils). This appealing bridge is an integral element of the built heritage and transport heritage of the local area, and makes a positive contribution to the landscape.