Masons Bridge, Drumnaconagher Road, Drumnaconagher / Raleagh, Ballynahinch, Co Down

This is a small, rubble-built, two-arch road bridge located on the Drumnaconagher Road, crossing the Ballynahinch River, approximately 2.5 miles east of Ballynahinch. The bridge’s construction is likely to predate 1834, though the regularity of the arches may suggest a slightly later date. It is of group value for its age, style, proportion, detail, and overall character. The bridge is primarily constructed of random fieldstone rubble, featuring two roughly elliptical arches with granite voussoirs and piers between. A cutwater is present on the south side, and the parapet is topped with rough rubble coping. Metal ties have been inserted into the structure, and the road surface is covered in tarmac. A bridge is depicted on an Ordnance Survey map of 1834, and identified as ‘Masons Bridge’ on a revised map from 1858. While it’s possible the current structure largely dates to 1834, precise dating is difficult. The bridge exhibits industrial archaeological interest and holds local historical significance.