Overview
Sir Thomas’ Bridge is an elegant five‑arch humpbacked road bridge that spans the River Suir at Tikincor Lower, just east of Clonmel. Constructed in the late 17th century, the bridge links County Waterford with County Tipperary and today forms a key segment of the Suir Blueway – a popular route for walkers, cyclists and kayakers. Its five irregular segmental arches sit on cut‑sandstone V‑cutwaters, and the structure is rendered with cement mortar that was repointed around 1990. The bridge remains in active use, carrying local traffic while retaining its historic character.
History
The townland of Tikincor Lower (Irish: Tigh Chinn Chora Íochtarach – “house at the head of the weir lower”) takes its name from the fortified house that once stood nearby, known as Tickincor Castle. The castle was built by Alexander Power during the reign of James I and passed through several hands before being acquired by Sir Thomas Osborne in 1690 during the Cromwellian settlement. To connect his estate on the opposite bank of the Suir, Osborne commissioned the bridge that same year.
Contemporary records describe the bridge as a six‑arch humpbacked road bridge, but later surveys record it as a five‑arch structure dating from c. 1740. Architectural details include squared stone voussoirs with chamfered reveals, a decorative scroll keystone on one arch, and V‑cutwaters of cut‑sandstone on the west elevation. A single‑arch pedestrian underpass on the north side was added later to improve foot traffic safety.
The Osborne family maintained a gate at the bridge until the mid‑19th century, underscoring its private‑road origins. The bridge survived the 1798 rebellion, the Great Famine and the advent of modern traffic. Conservation work in the 1990s repointed the rubble‑stone walls and added cast‑iron tie plates to stabilise the arches.
In May 2025 the Tipperary County Council announced a temporary closure of Sir Thomas’ Bridge for extensive repairs. The bridge was closed from 16 June 2026 to 28 August 2026, with traffic diverted via the R680 and N24. The works aimed to replace deteriorated mortar, improve drainage and reinforce the stonework while preserving historic fabric.
Visiting & Practical Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | 1690 (some sources c. 1740) |
| Type | Five‑arch humpback stone road bridge |
| Materials | Rubble stone, cut‑sandstone V‑cutwaters, cast‑iron tie plates, cement mortar render |
| Current Use | Vehicular bridge; part of the Suir Blueway for pedestrians and cyclists |
| Access | Free, open 24 hours (subject to temporary closure for repairs – see note below) |
| Parking | Small lay‑by on the Waterford side off the R665 road |
| Coordinates | Irish Grid Ref. 223853, 122858 |
| Road Closure (2026) | Closed 16 June – 28 August 2026 for repairs; traffic diverted via R680 and N24 |
| Wheelchair access | Approaches are not formally graded; bridge deck is wide enough for a standard wheelchair with care |
The bridge is accessed via the R665, which runs between Clonmel and the village of Twomilebridge. A modest lay‑by on the Waterford side provides convenient parking for visitors wishing to explore the bridge on foot or by bike. There is no admission charge.
During the 2026 repair works visitors should follow the posted detour signs and use the R680 (Clonmel‑Carrick‑on‑Suir) or the N24 to cross the Suir. The tow‑path remains open for walkers and cyclists, but the bridge itself will be closed to all traffic.
Activities & Nearby Attractions
- Suir Blueway – The tow‑path beneath the bridge is part of the 21 km Suir Blueway, a flat, well‑marked trail ideal for leisurely walks or bike rides. The route links Carrick‑on‑Suir, Kilsheelan and Clonmel, offering continuous river views.
- Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for kingfishers, otters and herons that frequent the Suir’s banks, especially in the early morning.
- Photography – The bridge’s humpback silhouette creates striking silhouettes at sunrise and sunset. The north‑bank pedestrian underpass frames the water nicely, while the south‑bank view showcases the series of arches leading downstream.\n- Extended walk – From Sir Thomas’ Bridge you can continue eastward on the Blueway to the historic Cahir Castle, a 13th‑century fortress perched on a rocky island in the Suir (approximately 5 km downstream). The walk is well sign‑posted and makes a rewarding half‑day outing.
- Tickincor Castle ruins – Although the castle is in private ownership and not open to the public, its ruins are visible a short distance upstream and add context to the bridge’s original purpose.
- Local towns – Clonmel offers a range of cafés, pubs and heritage sites such as St Molleran’s Church and the historic town centre, making it a convenient base for a day trip.
What to See & Do
- Architectural Details – Walk along the bridge to admire the V‑cutwaters, the rendered coping, and the subtle scroll keystone. The contrast between the rough rubble stone and the smoother rendered surfaces highlights the craftsmanship of the period.
- River Activities – Kayakers often launch from the banks near the bridge, using the calm stretch of water created by the arches. The adjacent tow‑path provides easy access for paddlers.
- Historical Context – Combine a visit to Sir Thomas’ Bridge with a drive past the ruins of Tickincor Castle, visible a short distance upstream. Although the castle is private and not open to the public, its silhouette adds depth to the landscape and reinforces the bridge’s original purpose.
Further Reading
For more detailed architectural information see the Building of Ireland entry linked above. The Tipperary County Council Library Service’s “Around Our Town – Tikincor Castle & Sir Thomas’ Bridge” podcast provides an in‑depth local history narrative.