THE HEADLESS PHOTO BLOG

An Experimental Site By Infomatique

THE GOTHIC BRIDGE

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ST ANNE’S PARK 28 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Gothic Bridge, located within the picturesque landscape of St Anne’s Park in Dublin, is a captivating structure that adds a touch of mystique to the park’s allure. Also known as the Bridge and Hermitage, it spans the Nanekin River and showcases a charming blend of architectural styles.

Its Gothic influences are evident in the pointed arches and intricate stonework that adorn the bridge. Adjacent to the bridge is a small cave-like structure, believed by many to have once served as a hermitage, further enhancing the bridge’s enigmatic character.  

The bridge’s construction is intertwined with the history of the Guinness family, who played a significant role in the development of St Anne’s Park.
It stands as a testament to their wealth and influence, reflecting their penchant for incorporating ornamental structures into the park’s design.  

Today, the Gothic Bridge remains a popular attraction for visitors to St Anne’s Park. Its picturesque setting, coupled with its historical significance, makes it a captivating landmark that invites exploration and contemplation.

NOTE: The statement “believed to have once served as a hermitage” is unlikely, considering the structure’s classification as a folly. Follies were intentionally built as ornamental structures, primarily for aesthetic purposes rather than practical functions. While they might evoke a sense of mystery or intrigue, they weren’t designed to be inhabited or used for religious purposes. So, it’s far more probable that the cave-like structure adjacent to the Gothic Bridge was simply designed to enhance the bridge’s visual appeal and contribute to the romantic atmosphere of the park.

MY 2012 CHRISTMAS VISIT TO NEWBRIDGE

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A RANDOM SELECTION OF IMAGES

The town is located on the banks of the River Liffey. Upriver are towns such as Athgarvan, Kilcullen and Blessington, while downriver are the towns of Caragh, Clane and Celbridge.

Newbridge is bounded by the Curragh Plains to the west, Pollardstown Fen and the Bog of Allen and Moulds Bog to the northwest. Around the Curragh, and to the east are a number of stud farms. To the south, the motorway now forms a boundary to the town.

The area’s industrial history includes rope making (at Irish Ropes PLC, established 1933, now closed) and carpet manufacturing (Curragh Tintawn Carpets Limited, established 1937, closed 2012). Cutlery and silverware is crafted at the Newbridge Silverware plant. Pharmaceutical companies such as Oral-B and Pfizer have also based themselves in the town, and the latter is located at Little Connell.

Irish chocolatier Lily O’Briens is based in the IDA Business Park on Green Road, Bord na Móna has its headquarters in the centre of Newbridge, and the Department of Defence has a base on Station Road.

The Kildare/Leixlip Branch of the general workers union SIPTU has its headquarters at Georges Street.

Many people living in Newbridge commute to work in Dublin.

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