The Stone Bridges Of Wicklow

Ballinglen Bridge near Tinahely
D. Burns

To cross to the other side?

There are over 18,000 stone bridges in Ireland, a considerable cultural heritage that spans many centuries. Bridges throughout the country span obstacles such as water, valleys or roads in order to give passage over those obstacles. Man’s ingenuity in crossing those obstacles can still be seen thousands of years after they were first constructed. We frequently pass over bridges without even knowing that they are there, and yet they are often very attractive and historic. Rob Goodbody, architectural historian and historic buildings consultant, will give a talk to the Rathdrum Historical Society on 7th November, looking at the history of Wicklow’s stone bridges and the variety that can be found in the county. According to Rob, we can often tell much about the age of a bridge from its stonework. He will also look at who built the bridges and why – a question that doesn’t always have an obvious answer!

Rob has published a number of works on local history, Quaker history and industrial heritage and has recently been awarded a medal for publications from the Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland. His most recent publication is the Royal Irish Academy’s historic towns atlas for Dublin, covering the mid-eighteenth to mid-nineteenth centuries. Rob has also been working on a publication on stone bridges throughout Ireland and his talk will concentrate on the bridges in Wicklow. All will be revealed by Rob Goodbody in his talk on the Stone Bridges of Wicklow to the Rathdrum Historical Society on Monday, 7th November in Avondale Community College at 8 pm. All are welcome. 

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