The Clapper and other old Mayo bridges recalled

by Auld Stock

THERE are hundreds of bridges scattered across many parts of Mayo, some big, some small.

The two most unusual bridges in Mayo are the Clapper Bridge, Louisburgh, and the Musical Bridge in north Mayo.

Those bridges stand as a tribute to their builders who had very little tools at their disposal.

There are hundreds of small bridges scattered throughout Mayo.

Burren bridge, a few miles outside Castlebar, was built over 200 years ago.

The Crean family have lived beside the bridge for several generations. My best wishes to Martin Crean and family, well known and popular in the area.

I am still in the dark in relation to the naming of the railway bridge at Cottage Road, Castlebar, known as Baldwin's Bridge. Perhaps it was named after a man named Baldwin who may have built the bridge.

The workmanship in all the bridges throughout Mayo is of the highest order, all built at a time when Ireland was a much poorer country than it is today.

The bridge at the entrance to Lough Holiday Village, Castlebar, is as sturdy as the time it was built several hundred years ago.

The bridge covers the river which connects Saleen Lake with Lough Lannagh.

The lovely bridge at Conloon, Castlebar, was renovated a number of years ago.