Scarawalsh Bridge

Scarawalsh Bridge

Features

Scarawalsh bridge is a late 18^th century humpback rural bridge on the River Slaney near Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland.

The bridge may be an ideal filming location for rural scenes. The road was once the main route from Ferns to Enniscorthy, but this was bypassed in 1976 by the old N11 route (now the R772). And in 2019, an extension of the new N11 that bypassed Enniscorthy further reduced traffic to the bridge. This means that the bridge sits on a loop of road that sees very little use, despite being just off the main routes.

The bridge itself is of a handsome, six-arch, humpback design. And the arches are lined by cut stone, while the rest of the bridge is of unrefined field stone. This gives the bridge a rustic feel mixed with dignity and charm. And the hump is surprisingly steep, especially from the eastern side, and it may add visual interest to scenes shot on the crossing.

The bridge was built in 1795. During the Civil War, the Anti-Treaty forces attempted to destroy it with explosives on two separate occasions, but the structure survived and was repaired after the war. Just south of the bridge, the Slaney is split by an island, making it appear that the river is dividing into two.

More Info

Locals pronounce the area’s name as Scarawelsh.

Dimensions: 90m long.

Nearest town: Enniscorthy, 5km away.

Photographer: Gordon Wycherly