Bridges of Dublin

Book excerpt: A vivid history of Dublin unfolds in this exploration of more than 1,000 years of bridges over the river Liffey. From the time of the Vikings and their simple wooden bridge, through Dublin's late 17th-century expansion, when four new bridges were built within 14 years, to the iconic Ha'penny Bridge, the story of a city and its bridges is told. Dublin's bridges are not mere structures. They are monuments to heroes and heroines, celebrations of a great literary heritage, romantic reminders of gentler times, and futuristic style statements of a city's confidence in itself. They are portals to the city's past, revealing tales of bloody battles, political intrigue, innovative engineers and architects, dubious developers, and romantic liaisons. From the oldest surviving, Mellows Bridge of 1768, to the newest, the Rosie Hackett Bridge of 2014, all 24 bridges and those they replaced are eloquently described. Striking photographs, reproductions of old maps, and illustrations, along with suggested walking tours, complement the remarkable story of the bridges of Dublin. Lavishly illustrated, the book is essential for all those who are interested in this important part of Dublin's history. *** "This glorious volume, a perfect gift for all ages, will be treasured for generations. We only wish these bridges could talk!" -- Celtic Connection, August 2016 [Subject: History, Irish Studies, Architecture]