Ha’penny Bridge

Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin

Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin

Walking along the banks of the River Liffey was a nice experience. There were a few interesting landmarks here both on and along the river. One of the most recognizable landmarks of Dublin is the famous Ha’penny Bridge. It is officially named the Liffey Bridge, however, due to its history, it is also called the more whimsical name of Ha’penny Bridge. Back then, there were ferries which bring pedestrians from one bank to another, eventually there was a call to build a bridge instead. The builder of the bridge was given the privilege to charge a toll to pedestrian who wish to cross the bridge for a hundred years. The toll? A half penny.

Crossing the Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin

Crossing the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin

There were turnstiles at the ends of the bridge to collect the toll. For a period of time, inflation seemed to have grips Ireland, the toll rose to one and half penny, thus it also gain the name, Penny Ha’penny bridge. Eventually, the increase in toll charges was waived and it went back to half penny. Now, it is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks and any guidebook will tell you that this is one of the most visited sights in the city. It is not particularly wide and it has tall cast iron fences on both sides of the bridge. There were a few repairs made to the bridge but it has largely remained the same.

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