St Patrick’s Bridge

It’s been far too long since I was in Ireland, and Cork in particular! I spent many happy hours wandering around the city and up and down the riverside and over all the bridges. I just came across this photo which I took of Patrick’s Bridge the last time I was there. It’s one of many well known landmarks of the city.
The first bridge built in this spot was unfortunately swept away in a flood in 1789 — actually before it was even finished. The bridge was then rebuilt and opened several months later. It was also destroyed by another terrible flood in 1853.
A design was then drawn for a brand new stone bridge and then the work was given to Joshua Hargrave — actually the grandson of a man who had helped to build the first bridge.
The foundation stone was laid in 1859 and the Mayor of Cork opened the new Patrick’s Bridge on the 12^th December, 1861. The Bridge was reconstructed and improved in 1981.