5 memorable bridges to cross in Dublin

This cast iron pedestrian bridge was built in 1816 traversing the River Liffey. The bridge replaced the ferries used to bring people from the south side to the north side of the river and back again. Originally there was a toll (of a ha-penny) to use the bridge but it’s long gone now.

This bridge, linking North Wall to Ringsend, has been in operation since 1984. It’s a bascule-type lifting bridge that separates in the middle and parts upwards halting traffic and allowing boats to pass through. Nowadays, heading north or south via this bridge, all vehicles must pay a toll.

This relatively modern swing bridge opened in 2005 for pedestrians and cyclists. It looks fantastic lit up at night with its rows of floor lights. It’s fascinating watching the swing movement in operation, which only happens for large ships to pass or for maintenance; the two legs swivel and pull the bridge apart, each half lining up parallel to the quays.

Here’s a good old-fashioned, three-arched, four-legged stone bridge that has spanned the River Liffey since 1753. It was named after the character Anna Livia Plurabelle from James Joyce’s baffling novel Finnegan’s Wake. In the book she is described as the river woman and hence she’s the personification of the river itself.

Linking Christ Church to Dublinia over the traffic of Winetavern Street this bridge is unlike the others in this list as it’s an enclosed bridge. It’s short but it’s a really beautiful and unique piece of work. On each side there are circular and angular stained glass windows and there’s a vaulted roof with arching high beams.