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Lewis's Topographical Dictionary 1837
Towns & Villages
NEWBRIDGE
NEWBRIDGE, a market and post-town, in the parish of GREAT CONNELL, barony of CONNELL, county of KILDARE, and province of LEINSTER, 5¼ miles (S. W. by W.) from Naas, and 21 (S. W.) from Dublin; containing 577 inhabitants.
This place is of very recent origin, and appears to have arisen since the erection of extensive barracks for cavalry, in 1816, on the property of Thos. Eyre Powell, Esq. It is situated on the river Liffey, over which there is a handsome stone bridge of five arches, but so narrow that two carriages cannot drive abreast on it, from which it derives its name, and on the mail coach road from Dublin to Limerick.
The town at present consists only of one street, on the western bank of the river; but it is yet in its infancy, and there is every prospect of its increase. The barracks are spacious and handsome, consisting of two parallel ranges of building, connected by a central range at right angles; and are capable of accommodating two regiments, with apartments for their officers, and an hospital for 100 patients. A patent has been obtained for two free markets, which are held on Tuesday and Friday in every week, and for two fairs, on the 3rd of May and 15th of August. Here are also a constabulary police station, a dispensary, and a R.C. chapel, with a friary.