Rosmanagher bridge and toll gates
The bridge and toll gates were built by local landowner Henry D'Esterre in the 1780s (1784 to be precise) in order to improve access to his lands for farming and transportation. Until that point, the nearest bridge on the Ratty/Owenogarney River was some miles upstream in Sixmilebridge. The Ratty River had two operational mills upstream of where D'Esterre planned to build his bridge. The bridge would be the death knell for the milling industry on the Ratty River as boats would no longer be able to reach the mills to transport raw materials and goods. D'Esterre knew that the building of this bridge would be controversial and applied for planning permission to the Sherriff in Killaloe instead of the local Sherriff. When construction of the bridge commenced D'Esterre had to employ soldiers to protect the project from sabotage. Once completed, D'Esterre charged a toll of one penny to cross the bridge. His own estate workers were allowed to cross for free but would be punished if they tried to bring neighbours or their goods across for free.
In 1815, Daniel O'Connell refused to pay the toll for crossing the bridge and it is said that this is the reason for his duel with Captain John D'Esterre on the 1st of February of that year in Kildare. O'Connell was victorious.
Crossing the bridge no longer requires payment of a toll but the bridge and toll house towers remain.
Parking
The road to the cache is quite narrow but there is enough room for a car to park in front of the toll tower house at the parking coordinates. The road is generally quiet and approaching traffic can be seen or heard in plenty of time.
Coordinates for the final:
N 5B AB.889 W 008 AC.77B
A - How many triangles can you see on the metal support structure?
B - How many gate loops remain?
C - The gables of the toll gate towers have crow's steps. Count the number of steps from the lowest point of the wall to the highest.
Bring your own pen!
Congratulations to Ballymul on being FTF!