MacNeill's Egyptian Arch

MacNeill's Egyptian Arch is a railway bridge in Newry that spans the Newry-Camlough Road and is defined by a striking stone arch with curved elements and distinctive side walls. The structure was built with limestone and displays a particular architectural form that immediately catches the eye when approaching the bridge.

The structure was built in 1851 during the expansion of rail connections between Dublin and Belfast to improve transportation across Ireland. Engineer Sir John MacNeill supervised the project under the direction of William Dargan, a pioneer of Ireland's railway network.

The structure takes its name from engineer MacNeill, whose design gave it an unconventional shape that recalls Egyptian architecture. Visitors can observe this unusual style today when passing beneath the arch or viewing it from the road.

The bridge can be viewed from the Newry-Camlough Road where you can photograph it from various angles and examine its details. The best vantage point for photographs is from the road or nearby public paths that provide clear views of the structure.

The structure was featured on a coin and represented Northern Ireland in a numismatic design from the early 21st century. This honoring recognition demonstrates how significant this railway bridge is to the region's identity.