Green illuminated Ha'penny Bridge spans the River Liffey in Dublin city centre at romantic blue hour, reflected in the dark water,a great city break

Green illuminated Ha'penny Bridge spans the River Liffey in Dublin city centre at romantic blue hour, reflected in the dark water,a great city break Stock Photo
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Image details

Contributor:

Tony Smith

Image ID:

3F3NDMW

File size:

98.7 MB (3.2 MB Compressed download)

Releases:

Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?

Dimensions:

7192 x 4797 px | 60.9 x 40.6 cm | 24 x 16 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

30 June 2025

Location:

Ha'penny Bridge, North City, Dublin 1, with Wellington Quay, Dublin 2

More information:

The Ha'penny Bridge, officially named the Liffey Bridge, forms an elegant illuminated arch across the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin city centre. Photographed at blue hour, the historic pedestrian crossing glows vivid green beneath a deep cobalt sky. Decorative railings, curved cast-iron ribs and traditional lamp standards are reflected in the dark moving water, while softly lit quayside buildings create an atmospheric urban backdrop. The evening illumination gives one of Dublin's most familiar landmarks an especially romantic, almost theatrical character. The bridge links Bachelor's Walk on the north side of the river with Wellington Quay and the Temple Bar area on the south. Opened in May 1816, it was originally called the Wellington Bridge and replaced ferries operated by William Walsh. Pedestrians initially paid a halfpenny toll, matching the former ferry fare and giving the crossing the affectionate name by which it remains universally known. The toll was eventually abolished in 1919, while Liffey Bridge became its official name. Designed under the supervision of John Windsor, the graceful single-span structure was assembled from cast-iron sections manufactured at Coalbrookdale in Shropshire. Its light profile, ornamental metalwork and practical pedestrian role made it an important early example of urban iron bridge engineering. A major restoration completed in 2001 preserved much of its historic fabric and returned the structure to its pale traditional finish. Seen here without the usual daytime crowds, the floodlit bridge appears calm and intimate. The combination of historic architecture, reflections, city lights and darkening sky creates a strong sense of place and romance. The photograph can illustrate Dublin tourism, Irish architectural heritage, European city breaks, riverside walking, historic engineering, evening sightseeing and the enduring connection between the north and south sides of the Irish capital.