Survey Data
Reg No
41401311
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Bridge
In Use As
Bridge
Date
1800 - 1880
Coordinates
265339, 330903
Date Recorded
22/04/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Group of three single-arch bridges, spanning rivers in Rossmore Castle, constructed between 1800 and 1880, still in use as pedestrian and vehicular bridges. First is rubble masonry footbridge, built c.1800, to south-west of walled garden, with rubble limestone voussoirs to round arch, coursed rubble limestone spandrel walls, and recent unhewn timber handrail to carriageway. Second is masonry road bridge, constructed c.1850, to east of Priestfield Lough, having round arch with rendered gauged-brick voussoirs and intrados, coursed rubble limestone spandrel walls and parapet walls. Third is low masonry road bridge, constructed c.1876, to north of mausoleum, having round arch with peck-dressed voussoirs, one keystone damaged, springing from ribbon-dressed stone blocks. Coursed rubble limestone spandrel walls, with chicken wire fence to carriageway.
Appraisal
Rossmore Castle, now in the ownership of Coillte, is arguably one of the most interesting demesne complexes in County Monaghan, retaining gates and gate lodges, a mausoleum, walled garden, wells and a hydraulic dam. These three modest bridges form part of this collection of demesne-related features. They illustrate the development of the demesne, from the building of the country house, now demolished, in 1827, through the improvements made c.1858, to the time of the building of the Mausoleum c.1876. The bridges are well executed in locally quarried limestone, and are still used by Coillte traffic and members of the public walking in the estate.