Locals fear tourism downturn as world famous bridge swept away

LOVED by movie-makers, painters and photographers, the ancient bridge at Leenane, swept away by flood waters yesterday, was more importantly a vital part of a busy tourist route.

Debris carried on the swollen water of the Leenane river became trapped under one of the stone arches causing the partial demolition of the historic 182-year-old structure.

The bridge was a prominent feature in Jim Sheridan’s movie, The Field, much of which was shot in and around the village of Leenane.