Bannfield Bridge, Moneygore Road, Rathfriland, Newry, Co Down, BT34

This is a later 19th-century, skew triple-span granite road bridge carrying a minor road over the River Bann. The quality of the stonework and proportions demonstrate characteristics typical of the later 1800s. The bridge represents the development of infrastructure in the district and is of local historical interest as the third crossing at this point on the Bann, superseding earlier timber footbridges and stepping stones.

The bridge is constructed entirely of granite, with roughly-dressed blocks forming the abutments and piers. The abutments feature rusticated and margined quoins, while the piers extend downstream as angled cutwaters with domed caps. Three segmental arches with finely dressed voussoirs are present, notable for having roughly-squared soffit stones laid on skew to maintain the stability of the arch stones – a feature that would have been unnecessary with smaller, undressed stones. Spandrels and parapets are built from random rubble, the parapets being coped with rusticated and margined blocks. There are no terminal piers. Random rubble walls retain the river banks for a short distance beyond each end of the bridge. A farmyard is located a short distance to the northwest, with fields surrounding the bridge.

The site was previously marked on the 1833 Ordnance Survey map as ‘Bannfield Steps’, and the 1859 edition depicts a ‘Bannfield Wooden Foot Bridge’. The current bridge first appeared on the 1902 Ordnance Survey map as ‘Bannfield Bridge’. It was likely constructed by the County Down Grand Jury. The bridge is of industrial archaeological interest.