Up until the end of the 19th century, Achill Island remained separated from the mainland even though the channel separating the two was quite narrow..

The high levels of seasonal migration and the importance of developing market towns emphasized the necessity for a permanent link across the narrow channel. Finance for a bridge was acquired through subscriptions collected by an interdenominational committee. A swing bridge, pivoting on one central pier, was officially opened by Michael Davitt, founder of the Land League, in 1887 and Achill bridge with busnamed after him. This bridge served adequately for 60 years, but then changes in modes of transport necessitated a wider roadway.

In 1947, the old bridge was abandoned and, the following year, a new bridge opened, again called the Michael Davitt Bridge, built alongside and south of the original bridge.

The new bridge was the largest bridge structure to be undertaken by an Irish construction company at the time, with J.C. McLoughlin of Pearse Street, Dublin, carrying out the work. Mayo County Council is responsible for maintaining the new bridge and employs local residents to operate the swing partition to ensure the safe passage of high-masted vessels passing underneath.

Taken From: “Transport Infrastructure in Mayo - Askaboutireland.com“

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