Datestone, Drumquin Bridge, Drumquin, Omagh, Co Tyrone

A substantial three-span stone road-over-river bridge located at the north end of the main street of Drumquin. The bridge was erected circa 1850 and largely rebuilt circa 2000. A carved stone plaque from the original 18th-century bridge has been reinstated to the north parapet wall, marking the town’s origins. The plaque features a recessed panel with a carving of an elliptical-headed bridge and remnants of a pair of carved figures. Inscription below the figurative carving reads, “Drumquin Bridge/ built by James/ Carton: Under/ The Inspection of/ The Rev.d Avril / Daniel~ A.D.1787”. The bridge is constructed of stone with stone-clad concrete walls. Rainwater goods are not present and the structure has no roof. The bridge is marked on the first edition Ordnance Survey map, and captioned ‘Drumquin Br’ on the second edition. McCutcheon describes the bridge as “worthy of attention” and notes a fresh inscription of the plaque, confirming that Tyrone was subscribing significant funds to roads and bridges in the late 18th century, and that local building materials were readily available. The bridge’s construction benefited from a time when transport costs for heavy materials were high. It was initially considered for listing but was delisted on 8 November 2010. The bridge is of industrial archaeological interest.