Townland of Gulladoo

Area: 1086 acres
Irish Name: Guala Dubh - Dark Shoulder (of land).
Spelling Variations: none

Close to Moville on the road to Carndonagh can be seen the old bridge at Gulladuff standing in private grounds.

This bridge has been attributed by Bishop Montgomery to the sixth century but Dr. Macalister is of opinion that it cannot be dated so early, and is more likely to be of eighth or ninth century construction. However that may be, it clearly was erected in order that people living on the left bank of Bredagh river might conveniently cross to Cooley Church. The arch, which is well preserved, reveals what appears to be wattle marks. The name Bredagh perpetuates the name of one of the three tuatha or territories into which ancient Inishowen was divided by descendant of Prince Eoghan.

(O.Davies and H.P. Swan. Ulster Journal of Archaeology, July 1939

The Old Bridge at Gulladuff
This is indeed a relic of old times. I brought Dr. Innes to inspect it. He is the Professor of Engineering in all its branches in Cambridge University, and is specially famed for the science of bridges. He gave a sigh of satisfaction when he stood beside our old bridge, and said, "Yes, that is the real article." I asked him whether we might date it back to the sixth century. He saw no reason to the contrary. It is clear to me that the bridge was erected when Cooley Church was built, in order that people living on the left bank of the river might most conveniently cross to the right bank in all weathers for their worship, and be saved the toil of descending and ascending steep braes higher up the hill.

Taken from A History of Moville and its neighbourhood by Rt. Rev. Bishop Henry Montgomery, 1847 -1932

Old Bridge (Medieval ?)
At Gulladoo House (Pronounced Gulladuff) 0.25 mile N.W. from centre of Moville on Malin Road. Arable. Restricted View. The drive to the house crosses the narrow river by this stone bridge, which is in good condition and still in use. Some authorities say it dates from the 6th century, others put it down as 12th century or later. On the underside of the arch, traces of wattle-marks may be seen, showing the method of support during its construction. Similar marks may be seen in ancient castles. The arch is about 10ft. above the river which is about 1 ft. deep.

(Taken from The Heritage of Inishowen by Mabel R. Colhoun)

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