Dublin is famous for its many bridges over the River Liffey, including the famous James Joyce Bridge! It’s a gigantic steel bridge, built by a talented Spanish architect: Santiago Calatrava. Dubliners love to cross it, sometimes spending more than half an hour looking out over the city and listening to the music of local musicians who have taken over the bridge!
The James Joyce Bridge was installed over the River Liffey on June 16, 2003, the anniversary of Bloomsday, an Irish national holiday when Dubliners pay tribute to James Joyce, the famous Irish writer of the novel Ulysses. During this festival, Dubliners follow the itinerary of Ulysses’ hero, Bloom, and travel the length and breadth of Dublin, following Joyce’s story to the letter.
Despite this symbolic inauguration day, the bridge was built as a tribute to the writer, but this time dedicated to another work called “The Dead”. The story takes place at number 15 Usher’s Island in Dublin. This house is located on the south bank of the city, and the Spanish architect, supported by the city council, decided to install the bridge there…
The James Joyce Bridge is located not far from the city center, allowing you to cross from the south to the north bank in less than 5 minutes. Impossible to miss, you can reach this bridge on foot or by car, and contemplate the Liffey stretching out beneath you. There’s little risk of being run over: pedestrians and vehicles each have their own access ramp, without getting in each other’s way.
It’s not uncommon for a few musicians to camp out on the deck for a few hours, so that passers-by can enjoy their music. It’s a pretty good time, whatever the season, day or night, but the noise of the cars sometimes interferes with the magic of the music…
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
15 Merchant's Quay, Dublin (County Dublin) - Republic of Ireland
53.346682, -6.282592
open every day, 24 hours a day
Check the opening hours and admission requirements before you leave, especially during peak season or on Irish public holidays.
Here are a few useful places to stay so you can extend your trip and stay close to the sights you want to visit.
