Seneirl Bridge, Seneirl/Ballymarry Lower Tls, Dervock, Co.Antrim

This is a well-proportioned, three-arch road bridge dating from around the late 18th century, located on a minor road between Bushmills and Ballymoney, crossing the River Bush between the townlands of Ballynarry Lower and Seneirl. The bridge exemplifies a style typical of those constructed before the mid-19th century, prior to the appointment of County Surveyors and the introduction of more elaborate bridge designs. The bridge is built of random rubble basalt throughout, with no dressed stone embellishments. Cutwaters rise to just above arch spring level at both the upstream and downstream ends of the piers. Concrete footings have been added to the abutments and piers to minimize undercutting. The arches are of equal size and segmental profile, constructed with undressed split stone voussoirs and random rubble soffits. The parapets are now coped with concrete, representing a later alteration. The bridge deck accommodates two lanes of traffic, with a dogleg approach at each end. Buttresses of rubble masonry support the approach walls, except for the downstream or northeastern end. The bridge is situated in a rural setting, surrounded by fields. An uncaptioned bridge is shown on an Ordnance Survey map from 1832 and was described in the 1835 Ordnance Survey Memoir as 80 feet long and 20 feet wide with three semicircular arches "in sufficient repair." The structure was referred to as 'Seneirl Bridge' on maps from 1857 onwards. It was likely constructed by the County Antrim Grand Jury during the Presentment system, reflecting its unadorned style. The bridge possesses industrial archaeological interest and retains a degree of authenticity despite alterations.