Walk beside pedestrians, cyclists and drivers on an 18th-century bridge that has the unusual characteristic of being wider than it is long.
O’Connell Bridge is among the most magnificent structures on the River Liffey in Dublin. Standing in the heart of the city, a three-arched bridge has connected the banks since 1794. Stand on the riverside and snap photos of this iconic structure as part of the Dublin skyline.
Admire the elegant beauty of the bridge with its black lampstands, majestic pillars and three semi-elliptical arches. Sandstone balustrades decorate the upper part of the structure. See the bridge at night, when green light radiates from the underside of the arches. The balustrades are covered in white light.
Learn about the dramatic reconstruction in the 1800s, creating a version almost three times wider than the original bridge. The structure now has a length of 148 feet (45 metres) and a larger width of 164 feet (50 metres), allowing multiple traffic lanes and a sidewalk.
Discover the plaque devoted to Father Pat Noise, a hoax placed by pranksters about a fictitious person who died in suspicious circumstances.
Reach the northern side to see the O’Connell Monument, which pays tribute to a nationalist leader from the 1800s. The street and bridge are named after the politician who campaigned for Catholic rights.
Continue north along O’Connell Street to see the Spire of Dublin, among the world’s tallest sculptures at almost 400 feet (120 metres). Spot the spire from a distance, peering over the traffic and a statue of 19th-century trade union leader Jim Larkin.
The bridge has a rich history. The structure was initially named Carlisle Bridge in tribute to Ireland’s lord lieutenant at the time. One of Ireland’s leading architects, Englishman James Gandon, built it in 1794 and Bindon Stoney rebuilt it in 1880. Stand on the structure and appreciate its nearly square appearance.
Access the bridge for free on foot and by car or bicycle. It remains open at all times.
O’Connell Bridge is just east of Ha’Penny Bridge and west of Rosie Hackett Bridge. Near the south quays, it leads to O’Connell Street, the city’s principal street and popular gathering point. Ride one of the many buses to this central part of Dublin.
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