O’Connell Bridge
The Basics
As one of the most central bridges over the Liffey and the most direct route between the main shopping strip of Grafton Street and the broad, monument-dotted O’Connell Street, O’Connell Bridge is hard to miss. Many walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours of Dublin cross the bridge as they explore the north and south of the city, stopping at nearby attractions and destinations such as Temple Bar, Trinity College, the General Post Office (GPO), and the Spire.
Things to Know Before You Go
O’Connell Bridge is a must for sightseers and history buffs.
Bring a camera as the bridge is a great spot for photo opportunities with the River Liffey as a backdrop.
It’s possible to walk, drive, or take public transit across the bridge.
How to Get There
O’Connell Bridge is situated in Dublin city center, connecting Westmoreland Street and D’Olier Street on the Southside to O’Connell Street on the Northside. While you can ride the Luas Green Line tram across the bridge, it’s better to go on foot so you can pause to admire the view. Get off at the Westmoreland Luas stop (Green Line) south of the bridge or the Abbey Street stop (Red Line) or GPO stop (Green Line) to the north and stroll across.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Avoid morning and afternoon rush hours as the bridge can be crowded during these times. Consider coming at night to admire the twinkling city lights; the cityscape especially sparkles during the run-up to Christmas.
Bridges Over the Liffey
O’Connell Bridge is one of 23 bridges that span the River Liffey. The next bridge to the west is the Ha’penny Bridge, the oldest pedestrian crossing. Farther west is the much newer Millennium Bridge, another pedestrian-only crossing that opened just days before the advent of the year 2000. Farther east is the Samuel Beckett Bridge, whose distinctive asymmetrical design—comprising a curving pylon and steel cables—was inspired by the harp, an Irish national emblem.
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- The National Wax Museum Plus
- Dublin Cruise Port
- GPO Witness History Visitor Centre
- Dublin O’Connell Street
- Irish Whiskey Museum
- Dublin Custom House
- Trinity College Dublin
- Dublin General Post Office (GPO)
- The Book of Kells
- Molly Malone Statue
- Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience
- St. Stephen's Green
- Temple Bar
- Dublin Grafton Street
- River Liffey