It is not known where exacly the name ‘Bloody Bridge’ comes from, although it is thought that it may derive from a massacre that occured in the area in 1641.  It is said that bodies where thrown over the bridge and into the river, tainting it red with blood. The area surrounding the Bloody Bridge is eerily beautiful and extreamly popular with walkers and backpackers as a gateway into the mournes.  There is a carpark at the location of the Bloody Bridge that has both toilet and showering facilities, although during the height of the summer season this can be very busy.