KYLEMORE WEIGHBRIDGE

The Kylemore Weighbridge is a disused weighing machine that dates back to 1862. The weighbridge was used to weigh goods and livestock that were transported by rail or road in and out of Galway. It is one of the few surviving examples of this type of industrial heritage in Ireland.

The weighbridge consists of a large platform that rests on four iron pillars, connected to a lever mechanism and a dial indicator. The platform could accommodate carts, wagons, or trucks, as well as animals such as cattle, sheep, or pigs. The weight of the load would be transferred to the lever, which would move the pointer on the dial to show the corresponding weight in tons or hundredweights. The weighbridge could measure up to 20 tons.

The weighbridge still retains its original features and markings, such as the maker’s name (Pooley & Son of Liverpool), the serial number (No. 1918), and the inscription “County Galway Grand Jury”.

The Kylemore Weighbridge is a rare and valuable piece of industrial heritage that reflects the history and culture of Galway and Connemara. It is a testament to the engineering skills and craftsmanship of the Victorian era, as well as the economic and social activities that shaped the region.