Bandon, Eire 1890

© Aberdeen Museums
River Bandon, Cork

This bridge is approximately 120 feet span by 4 feet width. It was built for Mr J Allman, a mill owner at Bandon.  Eddie Goggin of the Bandon Opinion tells me that it crossed between Ardnacarrig House and the Allmans' distillery at the eastern end of the town.  The Allmans lived in Ardnacarrig House and their distillery was on the other side.  

  The main cables passed over saddles beneath early finials, but the pylons appear to be of 'I' beam construction, separately stayed to the anchorages.  The deck is supported by cables and tensioners.

The local engineer who supervised construction was a George A. Armstrong, who wrote to Louis Harper:

"I return herewith the two pliers, as I have now conmpleted the lattice work.  The bridge, 120 feet span, has been well tested by storm and flood with very satisfactory results.  I take this opportunity of saying that all the materials sent out from your Works was put out of hands in a most satisfactory manner, and the Gates you supplied well and neatly finished.  I am well pleased with the Bridge, and Mr Allman, for whom I act, has asked me to say the same from himself."

Eddie Goggin writes that much of the old distillery is still in place but the bridge was removed in 1927.  Altnacarrig House survives.