Cora Druma Rúisc aka Carrick-on-Shannon was an ancient crossing point of the River Shannon, and the bridge here links Counties Leitrim and Roscommon.
In 1844, the Commissioners for the Improvement of the Navigation of the River Shannon sought tenders for replacement of an older structure here:
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS. SHANNON COMMISSION.
Commissioners are ready receive Tenders for the execution of the Works CARRICK-ON-SHANNON, counties Leitrim and Roscsmrmm, viz: TAKING- DOWN THE PRESENT BRIDGE ACROSS THE RIVER, and CONSTRUCTING A STONE BRIDGE of FIVE SEGMENTAL ARCHES, with its APPROACHES, BUILDING QUAYS and HARBOUR, FORMING WHARFS, and DEEPENING the BED of the RIVER ABOVE AND BELOW THE BRIDGE. The plans may be seen on application to the Commissioners’ office, and specifications obtained on and after the 12th inst. Each tender is to accompanied with a schedule of prices, according to a printed form which will be furnished by the Commissioners; the prices in same are to be written in words. Security in the amount of £1000 will be required for the due performance of the contract. Sealed tenders addressed the Secretary to be sent in on the 8th January 1845, marked "Tender for Works Carrick-on- Shannon” before o’clock noon, after which hour and day none will be received. The Commissioners do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any tender. order, EDWARD HORNSBY, Secretary. Shannon Commission Office, Custom-house, Dublin, 6th December 1844. [Roscommon Journal 21 December 1844].
In 1846, construction of this five-arch limestone road bridge was completed by the contractor R.A. Gray.
On Thursday last, a man in the employment of Mr. Gray, at the Now Bridge of Carrick-on- Shannon, fell from the Gantry, distance of upwards of feet, and was severely hurt. There is some hope of his recovery. [Roscommon & Leitrim Gazette - 24 January 1846 ]
The cast-iron lamp standards on the parapet wall are a recent addition (circa 1990).
[Research by Rua Mac Diarmada]
~ Ancestors from Carrick-on-Shannon? If YES, post your connection below ~
