Ha'penny Bridge (Droichead na Leathphingine) · 더블린 시티센터
Location
Overview
The Ha'penny Bridge, opened in 1816, was the first pedestrian crossing over Dublin's River Liffey, and its graceful cast-iron arch and white lamp standards - cast in Shropshire, England - have become an emblem of the city. Its nickname comes from the half-penny toll once charged to cross, a levy finally dropped in 1919. Its official name is the Liffey Bridge, but almost everyone still calls it the Ha'penny. As of 2026 it remains a free, always-open landmark used by roughly 30,000 people a day; on the south bank it leads straight through Merchant's Arch into the Temple Bar quarter, making it a natural gateway for exploring the city on foot.
The single curved cast-iron arch with its ornate white lamps suspended overhead - a masterpiece of early industrial ironwork over 200 years old
Views up and down the Liffey quays from the crown of the bridge, especially at sunset and when the night lighting reflects on the water
The walk through Merchant's Arch on the south side, opening directly onto the cobbled Temple Bar cultural district
The commemorative plaque recalling the half-penny toll and the bridge's 2016 bicentenary
A riverside stroll linking the nearby Millennium Bridge and O'Connell Bridge, all within a few minutes' walk
Good to know
SafetyThe Temple Bar area the bridge feeds into gets crowded and boozy at night. Keep bags in front of you and phones and wallets out of back pockets; stick to well-lit main streets if walking late.
CautionAround the bridge and Temple Bar, watch for people who slip a friendship bracelet on your wrist then demand money, or wave fake 'charity petition' clipboards. Decline and keep walking. Temple Bar pubs are priced for tourists, so check prices before ordering.
SeasonIrish weather is highly changeable, with sudden rain and strong wind even in summer. Bring a waterproof jacket (an umbrella is useless in the gusts), and take care as the curved bridge deck gets slippery when wet.
RulesAttaching 'love locks' to the bridge is not allowed. They damage the paintwork and lighting cables, so Dublin City Council removes them regularly and signage asks visitors not to add them - please don't.
MannersThe narrow deck carries about 30,000 people a day. Don't stop in the middle to take photos; step to the side to shoot and give way to prams and local commuters.
SafetyThe bridge is pedestrian-only. Dismount and walk bikes and scooters across, and watch your footing on the steps and slopes at either end.
Practical info
Sitting in the heart of the city between Liffey Street on the north bank and Merchant's Arch on the south, the bridge is free to cross 24 hours a day with no ticket or opening hours. It is about a 5-minute walk from the Luas Red Line stops at Jervis and Abbey Street and about 10 minutes from Tara Street DART station; a Leap Card is the cheapest way to use public transport, so check current fares and routes for the latest details.
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