Bridge over Shankys River, near Leitrim Rd, Hilltown, Newry, Co Down, BT34 5XS

This small, triple-span bridge carries a mountain track over Shankys River, a tributary of the Rocky River, near Leitrim Road in Hilltown, County Down. It appears to have been built sometime between 1920 and 1939, replacing earlier stepping stones and a ford, as shown on Ordnance Survey maps from 1859, 1902, and 1919. The bridge is of some interest due to its unusual lintel construction, which is well-suited to the short spans required to cross the river at this location.

The bridge is constructed with roughly squared granite blocks forming the abutments and piers, set at a skew to the track above. The spans themselves are formed from granite lintels; the lintel on the upstream left side bears plug and feature marks. The spans measure 85cm, 95cm, and 100cm from left to right. The track width is 3.05m. The riverbed is lined with boulders and has a low fall on the downstream side. A small flood culvert is situated on the left bank, with its downstream lintel replaced by a pre-cast reinforced concrete lintel. The bridge possesses characteristics of industrial archaeological interest, connecting to a track leading to Castle Bog, where peat extraction occurred.