Ireland’s most impressive bridges across the River Liffey

Samuel Beckett Bridge

Admire the majestic beauty of this harp-shaped cable-stayed bridge, which is named after one of Ireland’s finest writers.

Sean O’Casey Bridge

Marvel at this award-winning pedestrian swing bridge built in 2005, which can open to allow ships through. (Just don’t mention the remote control.) It was named after playwright Sean O’Casey, who lived in the area.

Scherzer Bridges

This pair of bascule or rolling lift bridges were installed in 1911-12 and are based on the “Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge” designed by Chicago engineer, William Scherzer. Built to allow ships, boats and barges to enter the docks, they were also designed to keep seawater out.

Spencer Dock Bridge

Take in the fluid lines of this 40-metre span bridge. Awarded for its innovative structural design, it was inspired by the shape of the Manta Ray fish.

Architecture

Dublin’s Docklands boasts some unmissable architecture, from historical 18th Century gems to striking modern design and even a mix of the two, so make sure to take a stroll to appreciate these fine buildings.

The Custom House

Visit one of Ireland’s architectural masterpieces. Built in 1791, this iconic building was designed by architect James Gandon and is a wonderful example of 18th Century European Neoclassicism. It has been the scene of many turbulent events down through Ireland’s history and was even burned to the ground in 1921 during the War of Independence.

The chq Building

The iconic glass-fronted chq Building was originally designed by Scottish engineer, John Rennie, and was built in 1920. Once used as a warehouse to store tobacco, tea and alcohol, it is now home to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and a selection of shops and restaurants. It famously hosted the Crimean War Banquet in 1856 which celebrated the return of 3,000 Irish soldiers from war. It still includes the original nine vaults underneath the building. It was restored in early 2000, when the striking glass façade by celebrated Irish engineer, Peter Rice, was added.

The Convention Centre Dublin

Designed by Kevin Roche, one of Ireland’s most noted architects, the CCD is one of Dublin’s landmark buildings. Its striking 55-metre high glass atrium offers spectacular views of Dublin’s skyline, along with panoramic views of the River Liffey, Dublin City and the Dublin Mountains. This environmentally-conscious building is also the world’s first carbon neutral convention centre.

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

A marvel of modern architecture, the dazzling glass front of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is as dramatic as the performances it hosts. This iconic landmark was designed by world-famous architect, Daniel Libeskind.