Is Dublin’s Ha’penny Bridge over the River Liffey the most beautiful bridge in Ireland?
Ha’penny Bridge – Dublin is a city rich in history and culture and one of its most iconic landmarks is the Ha’penny Bridge. This beautiful cast iron pedestrian bridge spans the River Liffey and has become a symbol of the city. But why is it called the Ha’penny Bridge and what is its history?
The Ha’penny Bridge was built in 1816 and was the first pedestrian bridge to cross the River Liffey. Before it was built, the only way to cross the river was by ferry or by crossing one of the other bridges that were reserved for horse-drawn carriages. The bridge was built by William Walsh, who had previously run a ferry service to take people across the Liffey. However, the boats fell into disrepair and he was given the choice of upgrading the service or building a bridge. He chose the latter and charged a toll of half a penny to cross.
The bridge was originally called the Liffey Bridge but it became known as the Ha’penny Bridge due to the toll that was charged to cross it. The toll was in place until 1919, and turnstiles were installed at each end of the bridge to ensure that the toll was paid. The turnstiles were eventually removed but the name Ha’penny Bridge stuck.
The Ha’penny Bridge is a beautiful structure that has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The bridge is made of cast iron and was cast in Shropshire in England. Its design is simple yet elegant with curved arches and decorative details. It is a pedestrian-only bridge and it is a great way to get from one side of the river to the other while taking in the beautiful views of Dublin.
One of the things that makes the Ha’penny Bridge unique is the tradition of couples placing love locks on the bridge. Love locks are padlocks that couples attach to the bridge as a symbol of their love. Over time, the weight of these locks became a concern and in 2013 over 300kgs of locks were removed as they were in danger of undermining the bridge’s structure. While the love locks are no longer allowed, the tradition lives on in other parts of the city.
In conclusion, the Ha’penny Bridge is a beautiful and iconic landmark in Dublin. Its unique history, from its origins as a toll bridge to its current status as a symbol of love and romance, makes it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. If you ever find yourself in Dublin, be sure to take a stroll across the Ha’penny Bridge and take in the beauty and history of this wonderful structure.
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How to spend 24 hours in Dublin
Welcome to MyLocalDublin, where we share the best things to see and do in Ireland’s vibrant capital city. If you only have 24 hours to spend in Dublin, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you. Follow our guide to make the most of your time in the city as recommended by Tourism Ireland.