The bridge spans the Bunleemshough river that flows from the western foothills of the Mweel Rea Mountains (Sléibhte Chnoc Maol Réidh) - turn west at Cregganbaun on the R335 between Louisburgh and Leenaun. According to a Clew Bay Archaeological trail sign beside the bridge, clapper means plank in the Sussex area of England, and this type of bridge was a common type of bridge in pre-historic times. however, this bridge was most likely erected during the Famine by the local Irish church Mission, a Protestant colony that was granted free land by the Marquis of Sligo. The area is still known locally as the Colony.
The bridge still works fine (at least I didn't fall in) - the path of the bridge is about 2 feet wide. If you're visiting, be sure to visit the beaches at Bunlough or Sruhir nearby. The name Bunlahinch derives from Bun na hInse - bottom of the river meadow.
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| Clapper bridge | Clapper bridge | Clapper bridge |