The name Cross Guns Bridge, doesn’t really roll off the tongue, does it? It sounds more like a gritty pub than a graceful structure spanning a canal. But look closer, and you’ll see this bridge has a story to tell. It’s actually a historic landmark, a gateway to a bygone era, a place where Dublin’s past and present intersect.
A little over 150 years ago, this bridge didn’t bear the name Cross Guns. It was Westmoreland Bridge, named after the Earl of Westmoreland who laid the first stone in 1790. That bridge was replaced in the mid 19th century, and the new one, the one we stand in front of now, inherited the name. The “Cross Guns” part of the name, though less grand, is just as significant for its historical ties to the area – a local pub and the nearby crossroads where the bridge was built were both known by this name.
This bridge is more than just a way to cross the Royal Canal. It is a silent witness to a time when the canal was the artery of Dublin, a vital route for trade and travel. Imagine barges laden with goods, a lazy horse pulling them along the towpath, and a steam engine chugging alongside the canal bank. This bridge was the point where the city blended with the more rural areas of the North side of Dublin city, making it a connection between two worlds.
The bridge’s cast-iron parapets, designed by Ross & Walpole Ltd Engineers Dublin, are a decorative touch, a testament to the engineering prowess of the Victorian era. The bridge is an architectural gem, a reminder of the rich history of this canal, and a gateway to the vibrant energy of Dublin. So as you stand on this bridge, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and the history, the hustle and bustle of a city that has changed so much over time. Let it transport you to a time when horses and barges ruled the waterways and imagine the echoes of the past as you walk across.