Tag: bridges

Posted on

Ha’penny Bridge Dublin

The iconic bridge crossing the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland, showcasing the city's blend of history and modernity.

There are over 20 bridges over the River Liffey in Dublin but this is the most famous. As a fan of photographing bridges this was a must on my first evening photoshoot. Ha’Penny Bridge is Dublin’s oldest and busiest pedestrian bridge. Opened in 1816 it replaced seven ferries operated by William Walsh. Walsh choose to build this bridge rather than improve the conditions of his ferries. The name ha’penny comes from the ha’penny toll for anyone crossing the bridge. This toll was eventually dropped in 1919. In 2001 the bridge was renovated and painted its original white colour. I was a little apprehensive about this location in the evening. It is very close to a lot of the bars Dublin is famous for. Even on a Sunday evening there were a lot of drunk people around. In the hour or so I was stood in this location with my camera on the tripod only 2 or 3 people approached me. All were friendly if a little intoxicated. 



Posted on

Ha’Penny Bridge Dublin

An arched footbridge spans a river, connecting two sides of the city and showcasing urban architecture against the flowing water.

There are around 24 bridges that cross the River Liffey in Dublin. Ha’Penny bridge is the oldest pedestrian crossing built in 1816. It’s also one of the earliest cast-iron structures of its kind. This photograph was taken from the much newer Millennium Bridge looking east down the river. Captured in the early evening, I was lucky to see such still water which meant getting a reflection of the bridge in the water. In the distance you can about make out green dome of The Custom House. To the right of the bridge (south) is the Temple Bar Square. To the left or north of the river is the more modern Jervis and ILAC Shopping Centres.

Posted on

South Gate Bridge – Cork

A serene river flowers through the city, illuminated by the fading light and city lights.

Planning a trip to Cork with my camera for the first time in over 30 years (since I was a small child) I knew I wanted to capture the city at dusk. This is my favourite photograph from my short time in Cork. It is far from perfect but the time of day, location and lighting are good. South Gate Bridge was a construction zone. During the day it was one way for cars, at night closed completely to cars and the public. You can see a large white construction vehicle parked on the bridge. Setting up the tripod for this photograph I was hoping it would move out of my frame. It didn’t so I made the most of the situation and this is what I captured. A second or two later the workers turned on huge bright flood lights and the resulting photograph was much worse. After all our eyes are often drawn the brightest part of an image.

Posted on

River Lee along Sullivan’s Quay

View of a street beside a river in Cork, Ireland. The vibrant yellow 'The Courtyard on Sober Lane' building stands out on the left. In the distance, the gothic spires of Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral rise into the sky. A stone bridge crosses the river under a mix of sun and clouds.

Stood on the Nano Nagle footbridge this is the view west along the River Lee. Sullivan’s Quay is the narrow road on the left of the photograph. The bright yellow building is The Courtyard on Sober Lane. Originally a school but now bar and restaurant with the courtyard on the other side of the building. The stone bridge that crosses the river is the South Gate Bridge taking the R608 road into the city centre. The gothic spires in the background are Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral which stands out from the skyline. This was one of the first photographs I took in the city. I was looking for some night photography locations in Cork. Seeing this scene, I knew I’d be back on this bridge later one evening. It’s hard to see here, but there was road works happening on the South Gate Bridge which was disappointing.