14 Jan Famous bridges in Dublin…you will cross one of them…
HA’PENNY BRIDGE , DUBLIN
The iconic symbol of Dublin, the Ha’penny Bridge (offically Wellington Bridge after the ‘Iron Duke’) was opened in 1816. Cast at Coalbrookdale in Shropshire in England, the bridge acquired its unofficial monniker from the toll paid to cross the river – one old half penny. The bridge was the only pedestrian bridge on the Liffey until the new Millenium bridge further up was opened in 2000.
The bridge has three lamps supported by curved ironwork over the walkway. In a bad state of repair, the bridge was closed in 2001 for major repair. It was reopened, with its original paint colour restored and changed made at the ends to allow standing room for pedestrians before crossing the road. The original line of the decking was restored.
THE MILLENIUM BRIDGE ,DUBLIN
A newer pedestrian bridge spanning the River Liffey in Dublin, joining Eustace Street in Temple Bar to the north quays.
Installed in December 1999,to commemorate the new millennium (2000), the span was actually constructed 80 km from Dublin , in Carlow ……. as a portal frame.
The bridge was designed by Howley Harrington Architects with Price & Myers as Consulting Engineers.
The Millennium Bridge is a near neighbour to the much older (and well known) pedestrian Ha’penny Bridge.
O’CONNELL BRIDGE , DUBLIN
The bridge spans the River Liffey in Dublin, and joins O’Connell Street to D’Olier Street, Westmoreland Street and the south quays.
The original bridge was named Carlisle bridge , for the then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland – Frederick Howard, 5th Earl of Carlisle , was designed by James Gandon , and built between 1791 and 1794.
Originally humped, and narrower, a symmetrical, three semicircular arch structure constructed in granite with a Portland stone balustrade and obelisks on each of the four corners. A keystone head at the apex of the central span symbolises the River Liffey, corresponding to the heads on the Custom House (also designed by James Gandon) which personify the other great rivers of Ireland.
In 1877-1880 the bridge was reconstructed. it spans now 45 m of the Liffey and is about 50 m wide. O’Connell Bridge said to be unique in Europe as the only traffic bridge as wide as it is long.
When the bridge was reopened c.1882 it was renamed for Daniel O’Connell when the statue in his honour was unveiled.
In recent years, the lamps that graced the central island have been restored to their five lantern glory.
If you are on a tour of Ireland with Ireland Luxury Tours you will probably cross one of these bridges.