Errigal Bridge, Temple Rd, Garvagh, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, BT51

Errigal Bridge

A three-arched masonry road bridge spanning the Agivey River, dating to the early 19th century (1800-1819). The bridge is constructed entirely of random rubble basalt and carries a minor road across the river in open countryside near Garvagh.

The bridge's architectural interest lies principally in its good proportions and a relatively rare constructional detail: the angled cut-waters on the upstream and downstream ends of the piers rise to arch spring level, and those on the pier nearest the left bank continue upward to form square-cut shallow pedestrian refuges at parapet level. At road level, these refuges are infilled with stone to create seats.

The three arches are of segmental profile and approximately equal in size. The spandrels have been heavily repointed, and two metal tie bars have been inserted just above the voussoirs. The parapets are finished with roughly dressed copings of slightly lighter coloured stonework. The carriageway rises from the west up to the middle of the bridge before continuing level on the eastern approach.

The bases of the abutments, piers and cut-waters have been underpinned with concrete. The east end of the south parapet has been repaired with concrete blocks, and the wall along the north side of the east approach has been extensively repaired with concrete. A modern steel name board at the east end of the north parapet identifies the bridge. These concrete repairs detract from the bridge's character but not to a significant extent.

The bridge lies in open countryside surrounded by fields, with a public footpath into Errigal Glen just beyond the northwest end. An uncaptioned bridge appears at this location on the 1832 Ordnance Survey six-inch map, though it is not mentioned in the 1836 Ordnance Survey Memoir for Errigal Parish. It is named as Errigal Bridge from the 1853 Ordnance Survey map onwards.