Armagh Down Bridge, Newry, Co Down, BT34

Armagh Down Bridge is a late 19th-century bridge of well-executed design, notable for its shallow arch, use of ashlar, and inscriptions. It is unique in Northern Ireland as it was constructed alongside a building, the Newry Town Hall (HB16/28/018B), which is built on its downstream half. Together, the bridge and Town Hall make a significant contribution to the surrounding townscape.

The bridge spans the Newry River downstream from Sugar Island Bridge. It consists of three shallow, segmental arches with ashlar granite soffits. Spandrels and parapets are constructed of squared granite rubble. The parapets end in shallow, projecting piers, except on the upstream right side. Semicircular cutwaters of finely dressed granite are located at the springing of the arches on both the upstream and downstream sides. Finely dressed granite is also used for the v-jointed voussoirs (featuring protruding keystones), stringing, and parapet copings, all of which have chamfered edges. Ornate cast-iron lamp standards stand at each end of the upstream parapet. A bronze plaque is set into the centre of the inside face, reading "Armaghdown Bridge/ Department of the Environment (N.I.)/ Roads Service." Between the lamps is a canon, known as the 'Russian Trophy' (HB16/28/015). Raised letters above the crown of the central arch on the upstream face read "NTC [Newry Town Council] 1891." On the downstream face, shallow piers project above the cutwaters. The left-hand pier bears an identical inscription.

The bridge was built in 1891 in conjunction with the Newry Town Hall, which was completed in 1893. Its name reflects the fact that it crosses the county boundary between Armagh and Down. It is of industrial archaeological interest and is situated within a conservation area.