Survey Data
Reg No
41401003
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1800 - 1840
Coordinates
273844, 336880
Date Recorded
19/03/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Single-arch road bridge spanning River Blackwater, constructed c.1820, now disused. Ashlar limestone walls, with splayed abutment walls. Ashlar masonry spandrel and parapet walls having tooled granite coping, sloping to meet ground at sides. Segmental arch, with splayed barrel vault to intrados of arch, and ashlar granite voussoirs. Wide carriageway approached from east and west. Situated parallel to late twentieth-century bridge to south.
Appraisal
This bridge, over the River Blackwater between Monaghan and Armagh, is of technical and engineering merit, exhibiting good-quality stone masonry and fine, crisp joints. The carriageway that formerly crossed it was the main artery between the two county towns until a new bridge was constructed to the south in the late twentieth century. Ardgonnell Bridge is an attractive landmark and the skill exhibited in the execution of the ashlar limestone walls and the interesting use of a splayed opening to the arch makes it stand out as a testament to the creativity of engineers and masons in the past.