O'Connell Bridge
Dublin
O'Connell Bridge is the stone bridge over the River Liffey, between O'Connell Street and Westmoreland Street. Today's bridge was opened in 1880.
Two bridges in the same place
The first bridge was built in 1794. It was named after an English nobleman who had been viceroy a few years earlier. In the 1700s the city was moving east, close to the new port. The bridge joined the two banks at the handiest point.
In the 1800s traffic grew enormously. Between 1876 and 1880 the old bridge was replaced by a new one, lined up with O'Connell Street. So as not to stop the city, the work was done in pieces. First the two sides were widened, then the middle part was rebuilt.
What to look at
In the middle of the bridge, above the water, there are heads carved in limestone. The edges of the bridge are made of pale stone. Along the sides stand tall cast-iron poles with lights.
The bridge and the city
Parades, festivals and processions have crossed here. Famous politicians spoke to the crowds from the bridge. In 1932 the closing speech of a great religious gathering was read from here.
Today the bridge is one of the busiest spots in the city. Buses, bikes and crowds of people on foot cross it. From the middle of the bridge you get a good view of the river and both banks.
