Ha'penny Bridge, Cast iron footbridge in Temple Bar, Ireland
Description
Ha'penny Bridge is a cast iron footbridge in Temple Bar, Dublin, spanning 43 meters across the Liffey with three pierced lamp standards and decorative iron railings along its curved walkway. The structure combines wood, cast iron and cement, resting on an elliptical arch whose individual segments are bolted together.
History
The Coalbrookdale Company from Shropshire built this crossing in 1816 to offer pedestrians a faster alternative to the ferries that previously linked the banks. The halfpenny toll remained for over a century, funding maintenance of the structure until it was abolished.
Culture
The name refers to the halfpenny toll that pedestrians once paid when crossing, replacing the ferries that previously connected both banks. Today many paths cross here daily between the shops and pubs on either side of the river, while passersby often stop at the railings to look down at the water or chat.
Practical
The crossing lies between Lower Ormond Quay on the north bank and Wellington Quay on the south, offering a direct route for anyone exploring the city center on foot. Steps lead down to river level at both ends, so watch your footing in wet weather.
Did you know?
The three cast iron lamp standards each carry pierced patterns that throw spots of light onto the water at night. These details show how industrial revolution engineers combined functional elements with decorative craft.
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