Michael Davitt Bridge, Swing bridge in Achill Sound, Ireland
The Michael Davitt Bridge is a swing bridge that crosses the narrow waterway separating Achill Island from the Corraun Peninsula in County Mayo. The steel structure rotates to permit boat passage underneath when opened, connecting the island directly to the mainland.
The original bridge construction started in 1886 and opened in 1887, replacing the earlier method of crossing by foot or horseback at low tide. The current structure was completed in 2008 with advanced engineering techniques.
The bridge takes its name from Michael Davitt, an Irish social reformer who championed the first connection between Achill Island and the mainland. His legacy remains tied to this structure as a symbol of accessible passage for the island's people.
The bridge operates by manual rotation when boats need to pass underneath, managed by local authority staff. Visitors should note that crossing may be delayed if boat traffic requires the bridge to open.
The current bridge weighs around 390 tonnes and was designed following principles from Spanish architect Calatrava. It is illuminated at night, creating a distinctive appearance visible from both shores of the channel.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
