Clonachullion Bridge, Trassey Road, Clonachullion / Cross, Newcastle, Co Down

This is a rubble-built, hump-backed bridge, likely constructed between 1820 and 1839, that carries the Trassey Road over the Shimna River. The bridge is situated 4 miles west of Newcastle, to the east of the Trassey valley. It is positioned at a right angle to the river, creating an awkward bend in the road. The semicircular arch is formed of roughly dressed voussoirs, with the underside now cement-rendered. The parapets are splayed outwards on both the north and south sides and are topped with flat stone coping, primarily granite. A buttress is situated on the western side of the bridge, and the road surface is tarmac. A bridge is depicted on Ordnance Survey maps from 1834 and 1859, labelled ‘Clonachullion Bridge’ on the latter. The bridge’s unusual positioning and hump back suggest it is largely original to before 1834. The structure exhibits characteristics of industrial archaeological interest.