Mathew Bridge, Limerick

Mathew Bridge is a historic structure that spans the Abbey River in Limerick, linking Rutland Street to Merchant's Quay, Bridge Street, and George's Quay. This bridge, crucial in the development of the city, was constructed in the 1840s during a period marked by significant urban expansion and social movements.

The necessity for Mathew Bridge emerged from the rapid growth of Newtownpery, an area that began to develop following the demolition of Limerick's old city walls in 1761. As the population increased, the existing bridge, erected shortly after the walls were torn down, could no longer handle the daily traffic. Mathew Bridge was built to replace the New Bridge, which had been constructed in 1762 but was insufficient for the growing needs of the city.

Designed by William Henshaw Owen and opened in July 1846, Mathew Bridge was noted for its spacious flat deck and elegant stonework. The construction was overseen by contractor John Duggan, who was also responsible for building the Corporation Widows’ Alms Houses in 1848.

The bridge was named in honor of Father Theobald Mathew, a friar known for initiating a national temperance movement. Remarkably, by 1846, Father Mathew had garnered 180,000 disciples in Limerick alone, a significant feat given the total population of Limerick city and county was about 250,000 at the time. This large number of adherents underscores the profound impact of the temperance movement in the region.

An interesting historical feature of Mathew Bridge is a benchmark located at its center, which marks its position on the nineteenth-century ordnance survey maps. This marker not only highlights the bridge's historical significance but also serves as a testament to its role in the urban development of Limerick during a transformative period in its history.