Nine Arches Bridge

The Nine Arches Bridge crosses the River Dodder using nine stone arches built from granite to support the Luas tram system. The structure has a simple, powerful design with tall arches that span the water and provide clearance for river traffic.

It was built in 1854 for the Dublin & Wicklow Railway and sat unused for decades before the Luas system brought it back to life in 2004. This revival turned a dormant railway corridor into a vital modern transport route for the expanding city.

The bridge became an iconic symbol connecting neighborhoods in Dublin, forming part of the daily transport network that moves commuters and visitors across the city. People often view and appreciate it from the riverbanks as a distinctive landmark in the urban landscape.

The structure serves trams only and has no pedestrian crossing, so visitors can view it from the riverbanks or nearby streets instead. The best viewpoints are from the river paths below or from footways nearby that offer clear sightlines.

The nine original granite arches still function today after standing unstressed for more than a century and a half. Their durability shows the quality of Victorian stonework that proved capable of meeting modern demands.