Three Mayo bridges feature on Droichid na hÉireann series

THREE Mayo bridges will feature on the Droichid na hÉireann series, which airs on RTÉ One tonight (Monday) at 7.30 p.m.

Droichid Na hÉireann tells the story and history of Ireland's beloved bridges.

Presented by actor Lochlann Ó Mearáin, the series explores the history, architecture, landscape, and above all the people behind these extraordinary bridges, and the pivotal role they have played in historic events and in modern-day society.

Tonight's programme features the Newport railway viaduct, now part of the Great Western Greenway but once part of the route carrying steam trains; Bellacorrick's Musical Bridge, constructed in the 19th century, spanning the Owenmore River with magical musical notes hidden in its parapets; and Bunlahinch Clapper Bridge - the largest clapper bridge in Ireland, built for pedestrians, with strong ties to the great famine.

This fascinating six-part series is produced by New Departures Media for RTÉ and supported by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Lochlann Ó Mearáin is an actor and presenter originally from Dublin but now living in Westport. Travelling the length and breath of the country, he explores century-old stone bridges to modern contemporary designs, from natural geological formations to great engineering feats, to reveal their hidden history and impact, far greater than just bricks and mortar.

Along the way Lochlann rediscovers the remarkable tales behind our bridges through a wealth of fascinating human stories told by historians, experts and local people. We learn about their design and construction, why they were built and by whom, we learn about the obstacles and hazards that were faced during construction and how they were overcome. We discover how these structures were and still are treasured by society, and how they are an integral link to bridging communities together.