Bridge (Rail/River), Off Armagh Rd, Newry, Co Down

This bridge carried the former double-track Goraghwood – Newry railway over the Bessbrook River. The bridge comprises a single semicircular span and is of granite throughout. The abutments are of large rock-faced blocks laid in regular courses; two courses project at foundation level. The spandrels, parapets and wing walls are of squared random rubble brought to courses. The abutments and parapet are coped with dressed blocks, many of which are now dislodged. The parapet on the west side is missing except for a basal course. Embellishment takes the form of a finely-dressed chamfered string course through the arch at spring level (returning around the quoins), and rusticated quoins and voussoirs. The arch soffit comprises dressed granite blocks set orthogonally. The railway line is embanked to the north of the bridge; all traces of it have been cleared on the south side.