The River Liffey, Dublin

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Like the Seine in Paris or the Thames in London, the River Liffey flows right through the heart of Dublin. There is a really nice boardwalk on the north side of the river (photo #3), but in general the view is better from the south side. Perhaps the two buildings that are the most often photographed by visitors walking along the river are The Custom House and The Four Courts (both are located on the north side and are therefore best seen from the south side).

The Custom House (photo #2) is located between Butt Bridge and the Talbot Memorial Bridge. This magnificient neoclassical building dates back to 1791, and though it was built to serve as Dublin's Custom House, it actually only did so for about 10 years. In 1921, the IRA set fire to the building, which was then seen as a symbol of British imperialism. The building was very badly damaged and it took several decades before it could be fully restored (it now houses government offices). Also of interest just in front of the Custom House is the very moving Famine Memorial designed by Rowan Gillepsie (photo #5). The long, emaciated figures are portrayed as carrying what little they have left in the world on their way to an emigration ship. Plaques bearing the names of several well-known citizens who have made a contribution towards the erection of this monument can be seen (I spotted the names of Dolores O'Riordan, Daniel Day Lewis, Pierce Brosnan and Gabriel Byrne), and I was pleased to see one for the former Canadian Prime Minister that read "In memory of the victims of the Great Famine, and for their descendants who have done so much to build Canada".

The Four Courts building is located at Inns Quay, about a 20 min walk along the River Liffey from the Custom House. It is home to Ireland's Supreme Court, High Court, Central Criminal Court and Dublin's Circuit Court. It was designed by James Gandon, the same architect who had worked on The Custom House, and completed in 1796. However, this building also suffered extensive damage during the Irish Civil War when it was almost entirely destroyed by an explosion in 1922. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1932, and though Gandon's design was slightly modified, it remains one of Dublin's most beautiful and easily recognizable buildings.

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The Liffey River runs through the heart of Dublin and provides many points of interest. There are river boat tours or better still walk sections of the river and admire the river and city either side of the river.

Walk some of the main bridges, in particular the Ha'Penny Bridge which is a pedestrian bridge. Some other bridges you may pass are: Matt Talbot Memorial Bridge, O'Connell Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Grattan Bridge, O'Donovan Rossa Bridge, and Father Matthew Bridge.

Plenty of photo opportunities provided from bridges. We only walked the inner city section of the river.

Plans are afoot (and indeed in arm and torso) for a giant wire-man to stand at the side of the Liffey. At several stories high, this Anthony Gormly creation is set to be a major talking point in Dublin.

Anthony has provided some impressive statues in various cities, most notably the 'Angel of the North' that looks benovelently down over the unmarried mother of Newcastle.

No doubt, in Dublin's unique way, it will gain a few nicknames and in a few years time will become as much part of the accepted 'streetscape' as other once controversial projects.

At least they havn't talked Anthony into delivering an Irish sterotype to the city. On the otherhand I quite like the idea of arriving in the fair city and being confronted by a 90 foot high Leperchaun...or pint of Guinness.

"A skiff, a crumpled throwaway, Elijah is coming, rode lightly down the Liffey," said Joyce

Plans are currently afoot to create a 'linear park' from the centre of the city out to Celbridge. It's already possible to follow much of the route, but the pland include 14 'flagship' projects to bring it all together. These include spending several millions on restoring a flour mill and extending the Liffey broadwalk as far as Hueston station.

Done well, it will be a valuable addition to the attactions of the city.

Our hotel was feet away from the River Liffey, with many little bridges going over the Liffe you can stand over it and people watch all day. It was very peaceful considering it's right in the heart of the city centre. Very picturesque and romantic. Got chatting to many people from all over the world after a night out crossing the river. it becomes a sort of after night hangout.