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Garfinny Bridge

Garfinny bridge is reputedly the oldest surviving bridge in Ireland. It is a medieval bridge and has been recently restored. It is the only bridge to be declared a national monument of Ireland. The top of the bridge is about 3m above the water. It has no mortar to hold it together. Its arch consists of radial stones which ‘spring’ from stones which project over the river in a corbelling technique.

It may have been standing in 1580 when, according to local legend, Lord Deputy Grey and 800 troops passed over it. They were on their way to Smerwick Harbour to execute 600 men women and children . (This information is all taken from an information board located beside the bridge.)