Ha'penny Bridge: Dublin's Iconic Footbridge
Walk across Dublin's iconic Ha'penny Bridge, a historic cast-iron footbridge offering scenic city views and a charming glimpse into the past.
Spanning the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin, the Ha'penny Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a symbol of the city's history and a testament to its enduring charm. Officially named the Liffey Bridge since 1922, it's known worldwide as the Ha'penny Bridge, a nod to the toll that was charged to cross it until 1919. Before the bridge's construction in 1816, seven ferries, operated by William Walsh, transported people across the Liffey. When the ferries fell into disrepair, Walsh was given the choice to either fix them or build a bridge. Opting for the latter, he was granted the right to collect a half-penny toll from each person crossing the bridge for the next 100 years. This toll compensated him for the loss of his ferry income. The bridge, made of cast iron, was manufactured in Shropshire, England, and then shipped to Dublin. Its elegant elliptical arch stretches 43 meters (141 feet) across the river. Today, around 30,000 pedestrians cross the bridge daily. The bridge underwent a restoration in 2001, which brought back its original off-white color and removed commercial clutter. Located near O'Connell Street, the Ha'penny Bridge connects Ormond Quay Lower to Wellington Quay. It offers easy access to popular attractions like Temple Bar, the GPO, and the Spire.
Local tips
- Visit the bridge at sunset or night to capture stunning photos of the Dublin skyline reflected in the River Liffey.
- Take a stroll across the bridge to easily access popular attractions like Temple Bar and O'Connell Street.
- Look out for the signage asking people not to put padlocks on the bridge.
A brief summary to Ha'penny Bridge
- Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin, North City, IE
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
The Ha'penny Bridge is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from many points in Dublin. From O'Connell Street, walk south towards the River Liffey; the bridge is a short distance away, connecting to Wellington Quay on the south side. From Temple Bar, walk north towards the river; the bridge will be directly in front of you. There is no cost to walk across the bridge.
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Public Transport
Many Dublin Bus routes stop near the Ha'penny Bridge. Bus routes 14, 15, 27, and 39A are a few options. Alight at a stop on Aston Quay or Crampton Quay, which are both a short walk to the bridge. The tram also stops close to the bridge. Take the tram to the Westmoreland stop. A single fare on Dublin Bus or the tram is approximately €3. The DART (train) also has stops within walking distance.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly at either end of the Ha'penny Bridge. A short taxi ride from a central location like Heuston Station will cost approximately €8-€12. Note that traffic can be heavy in the city center, especially during peak hours.
Attractions Nearby to Ha'penny Bridge
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The Irish Dance Party - Interactive Show
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Merchant's Arch
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Meeting place
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Temple Bar Square
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The Grand Social
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The Quays Dublin - Temple Bar
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Temple Bar Gallery + Studios
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Statue Palm
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Black Church Print Studio
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Cloud Nine Temple Bar
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The Temple Bar Distillery Store
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The Auld Dubliner
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the temple bar restaurant
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Coffee Co at Cloud Nine
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Temple Bar
Landmarks nearby to Ha'penny Bridge
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The Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience
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Rory Gallagher Corner
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Bad Bobs Temple Bar
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Parliament House
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Thomas Davis Statue & Memorial Fountain
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Crampton Court
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O'Connell Bridge
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The National Wax Museum Plus
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Love Lane in Temple Bar
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O'Connell Monument
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Wall of Love
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William Smith O'Brien Statue
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Grattan Bridge
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Porterhouse Temple Bar
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Molly Malone Statue