O'Connell Bridge

O'Connell Bridge
O\'Connell Bridge showing a city, a bridge and a river or creek
O\'Connell Bridge which includes a city, a river or creek and a bridge
O\'Connell Bridge featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek
O'Connell Bridge


Walk beside pedestrians, cyclists and drivers on an 18th-century bridge that has the unusual characteristic of being wider than it is long.

O’Connell Bridge is among the most magnificent structures on the River Liffey in Dublin. Standing in the heart of the city, a three-arched bridge has connected the banks since 1794. Stand on the riverside and snap photos of this iconic structure as part of the Dublin skyline.

Admire the elegant beauty of the bridge with its black lampstands, majestic pillars and three semi-elliptical arches. Sandstone balustrades decorate the upper part of the structure. See the bridge at night, when green light radiates from the underside of the arches. The balustrades are covered in white light.

Learn about the dramatic reconstruction in the 1800s, creating a version almost three times wider than the original bridge. The structure now has a length of 148 feet (45 meters) and a larger width of 164 feet (50 meters), allowing multiple traffic lanes and a sidewalk.

Discover the plaque devoted to Father Pat Noise, a hoax placed by pranksters about a fictitious person who died in suspicious circumstances.

Reach the northern side to see the O’Connell Monument, which pays tribute to a nationalist leader from the 1800s. The street and bridge are named after the politician who campaigned for Catholic rights.

Continue north along O’Connell Street to see the Spire of Dublin, among the world’s tallest sculptures at almost 400 feet (120 meters). Spot the spire from a distance, peering over the traffic and a statue of 19th-century trade union leader Jim Larkin.

The bridge has a rich history. The structure was initially named Carlisle Bridge in tribute to Ireland’s lord lieutenant at the time. One of Ireland’s leading architects, Englishman James Gandon, built it in 1794 and Bindon Stoney rebuilt it in 1880. Stand on the structure and appreciate its nearly square appearance.

Access the bridge for free on foot and by car or bicycle. It remains open at all times.

O’Connell Bridge is just east of Ha’Penny Bridge and west of Rosie Hackett Bridge. Near the south quays, it leads to O’Connell Street, the city’s principal street and popular gathering point. Ride one of the many buses to this central part of Dublin.

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Things to do near O'Connell Bridge

O'Connell Bridge offers a vibrant array of activities and entertainment options, including engaging sports events and local art displays. Visitors can enjoy a Dublin free walking tour to explore the city's rich history and culture, while downtown activities abound, making it an excellent starting point for discovering Dublin's lively atmosphere.

Shopping

At O'Connell Bridge, you'll find the Jervis Shopping Centre and Brown Thomas Flagship Store, both a mere 483m away, offering a vibrant shopping experience. The Powerscourt Townhouse, located 644m away, adds to the charm with its unique boutiques and lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Croke Park, a mere mile from O'Connell Bridge, offers an exhilarating sports experience with its vibrant atmosphere. Just down the road, 3Arena provides fantastic entertainment vibes with live music events. For a more tranquil outing, Hollywood Lakes Golf Club, located right at O'Connell Bridge, invites you to enjoy outdoor sports amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Clara Lara Fun Park offers an exhilarating zipline ropes course, perfect for thrill-seekers, located 483m from O'Connell Bridge. For climbing enthusiasts, Awesome Walls Climbing Centre, 6.4km away, provides a vibrant sports atmosphere. Additionally, Tinnahinch Fly Fishing Centre, 19.3km distant, invites outdoor lovers to enjoy fishing in a scenic setting.

Nightlife

The nightlife around O'Connell Bridge is vibrant, with the Olympia Theatre offering captivating performances just 644m away. For a more intimate experience, the Abbey Theatre and Peacock Theatre, both a mere 161m away, showcase rich cultural productions that are perfect for families and couples alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near O'Connell Bridge

O'Connell Bridge in Dublin offers a vibrant mix of attractions including charming streets, historic sites, and lively squares. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture of the area, making it an ideal destination for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Explore the nearby university and historic colleges for a taste of local heritage, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque piazzas that characterise this bustling part of the city.

  • Trinity College: A historic university steeped in tradition, Trinity College is renowned for its stunning architecture and the world-famous Book of Kells. Located a mere 322m from O'Connell Bridge, the college offers a rich cultural experience with its beautiful library and vibrant campus atmosphere.
  • O'Connell Street: This bustling thoroughfare, just 483m from O'Connell Bridge, is the heart of Dublin. Lined with shops, cafes, and historic monuments, O'Connell Street exudes a lively city vibe, making it perfect for strolling and people-watching.
  • Dublin Castle: Situated 805m away, Dublin Castle is a magnificent historical site that combines romance and culture. Explore its grand state apartments and beautiful gardens, immersing yourself in Ireland's rich heritage and history.

Best time to go to O'Connell Bridge

The best time to visit O'Connell Bridge can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around O'Connell Bridge falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around O'Connell Bridge falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for O'Connell Bridge

To save money on your visit to O'Connell Bridge, consider travelling between December and February, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can also yield savings. Tuesdays typically offer the cheapest rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and consider booking a package deal that includes flights, hotel, and activities for further discounts. Additionally, walking around the city is a cost-effective way to explore the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around O'Connell Bridge are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around O'Connell Bridge is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around O'Connell Bridge is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around O'Connell Bridge is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find that you can save money by booking an Expedia package, which combines your hotel stay at O'Connell Bridge with your flights and activities.

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