The Location The South Gate Bridge is one of the most ancient landmarks of Old Cork. Earliest records show the South Gate as a narrow wooden drawbridge protected by two castles. In 1620, the timber structure was replaced by a stone bridge. This Bridge had three arches and at the time the northern end was flanked by a massive prison.(At the North & South Gate Bridges in the city of Cork, were located grim prisons, which were by tradition sad and horrifying institutions.) In 1713, the present bridge was built by Coltsman and still visible is it's northern arch, which for many years stood beside the prison. In early years, navigation for boats was always difficult at South Gate, therefore an adjacent slip was utilised as a landing place for small vessels and also for drawing water for domestic purposes.