IS THIS REALLY THE OLDEST BRIDGE IN IRELAND

Due to heavy rain and a wet lens, getting a clear focus proved challenging, cutting short my photography session at this old bridge.

This bridge over the River Boyne in Trim, County Meath, has been operational since 1393. While often referred to as the oldest bridge in Ireland, this claim is disputed. Google's Bard AI suggests Athlone Bridge as the oldest, built in 1329. However, the current Athlone Bridge is a 19th-century replacement, and the original featured a moveable section decommissioned in the mid-20th century.

According to Wikipedia, King John's Bridge in Lucan holds the title of Ireland's oldest bridge, although it's no longer in use.

The River Boyne: A Historical and Mythological Significance

The River Boyne boasts a rich history and mythological significance. It appears on Ptolemy's 2nd-century map of Ireland as Βουουίνδα (Bouwinda) or Βουβίνδα (Boubinda), meaning "white cow" in Celtic. During the High Middle Ages, it was known as Boandus.

In Irish mythology, the goddess Boann is said to have created the river, with "Boyne" being an anglicised version of her name. Legends also tell of Fionn mac Cumhail capturing Fiontán, the Salmon of Knowledge, in this river.

The tidal estuary of the Boyne had various names in Irish literature and was associated with departures and arrivals in ancient legends and myths. The Tragedy of the Sons of Tuireann and Togail Bruidne Dá Derga are examples of these tales. In Acallam na Senórach, the estuary is called Inber Bic Loingsigh, meaning "abounding in ships."

In early medieval times, the estuary was primarily known as Inber Colpa or Inber Colptha. This name is preserved in the townlands and civil parish of Colp or Colpe on its southern shore. Mythologically, it is linked to Colpa of the Sword, a son of Míl Espáine, who drowned trying to land there and is believed to be buried in the ringfort behind Colpe church.

An alternative Dindsenchas tradition connects the name to the Máta, a giant aquatic creature slain and dismembered at Brú na Bóinne. Its shinbone (colptha) is said to have reached the estuary, giving it the name Inber Colptha.