Leap Bridge, Lurgan Road, Glenavy, Crumlin, Co Antrim, BT29

Leap Bridge is a triple-arch masonry bridge likely dating to the mid-18th century, probably between 1740 and 1759, and is a good example of vernacular construction. It carries a minor two-lane road leading to Crumlin over the Glenavy River, a short distance north of the main Glenavy-Aghalee Road. The right-bank (north) arch is typically dry.

The bridge is constructed of random rubble masonry throughout. It features angled cutwaters on its upstream (east) and downstream (west) elevations, rising to arch spring level, with angled caps extending to the base of the parapets. The three arches are of equal size and have a semicircular profile, built with roughly dressed voussoirs. While the soffits have been gunited, there are no visible signs of wall breaks in the abutments, indicating the bridge has not been widened. Two tie bars run through the spandrels of the end arches. The arches and spandrels are slightly inset from the parapets and abutments, a feature similar to the upstream face of Glenavy Bridge and likely a regional stylistic variation. The parapets are coped with a mixture of squared random rubble blocks and unworked stones set on edge. Repairs to both parapets have been carried out using squared stone slabs, slightly detracting from the bridge’s original character. The north ends of the parapets curve out to terminate in matching pairs of cylindrical cone-topped rubble masonry gate piers, supporting wrought iron gates.

The road crossing the Glenavy River is depicted on Taylor & Skinner’s 1777 map of Ireland and Lendrick’s 1780 map of Co Antrim, suggesting the bridge's likely 18th-century origin. The bridge was named 'Leap Br’ on the 1832-33 Ordnance Survey six-inch map and subsequent editions.

Leap Bridge is set in an unspoiled rural setting and is of local architectural and historic interest, possessing industrial archaeological significance. The listing includes the bridge, gate pillars, and gates.