River Liffey

This is an awesome stretch of water running through the centre of this amazing city, there are many ornate bridges to enjoy as well as being very walkable along its banks.

The River Liffey adds so much beauty to Dublin! Loved walking along it and crossing the bridges — peaceful views right in the heart of the city.

It's a nice walk down the Liffey and see the views and areas of Dublin. You can see a lot of landmarks from the walkways off the Liffey, including the Guiness disturbing factory. We walked around the Liffey multiple times on our trip. The bridges are also beautiful. The water is pretty dirty, but we did hear that some locals fish... not something I would do, but when in Dublin!

I have an upcoming trip to the emerald isle. Can't wait to visit my parents birthplace. My dad's cousin is psyched that I am doing this long overdue visit. This is going to be great.

Very nice place to walk around. Arquitecture its very antique and very well precerved. From there you can go to the old town and visit all the differents irish pubs where you can drink very good beers and ales, food , live music all nights, and if you are very drunk and can't drive you can spend the night in pubs as they have accomodation too. Visit the Guinnes beer factory, easy to find by the particularly and good smell thats its around there. Weather its allmost always cloudly and rainy as it normal in the island.

A beautiful and clean river that runs through Dublin. Was great to see the sights surrounding the river and cross the various bridges that go over it.

I had a night stroll down River Liffey and found it relaxing and stunning, there’s a great amount of historical buildings lined across the River that at night are light up beautifully.

It is not supposed to be possible to walk the full length of the river Liffey - to do that you would be "off road" through bog and wetlands for a lot of the journey - the challenge is not for the faint hearted. However, proud to report that my son Marc finished his walk from the Liffey Head Bog to Poolbeg Lighthouse today, the 27th December 2023. Gwan Marc. The Liffey rises in the Liffey Head Bog between the mountains of Kippure 742 metres (2,434 ft) and Tonduff 642 metres (2,106 ft) in the northern section of the Wicklow Mountains, forming from many streamlets near the Sally Gap. The underlying geology of this upland area has an impact on the river. The underlying granite bedrock was formed during the Devonian Period between 415 and 360 million years ago. There there are dams at three locations along the river - hydroelectric power stations (Poulaphouca, Golden Falls and Leixlip). There is one waterfall called Pol-a-Phuca or the Daemon's Hole, is about one mile from the village of Ballymore Eustace - in rainy seasons, when the river is much swollen, the fall is calculated at 150 feet in height. Leixlip, Lucan, Celbridge, Athgarvan and Ballymore Eustace are some towns in Ireland passed by River Liffley because it ends in Dublin. The Liffley has a number of tributaries, which include River Camac, River Poddle, River Dodder, and King’s River. Drinking water accounts for circa 60% of the water flow on the river (no Guinness was not created by usingthe water from the Liffey - although the brewery is located on the river). The river flows for 132 km through Wicklow, Kildare and Dublin before entering the Irish Sea in Dublin Bay - best way to see it out to sea is at the Poolbeg Lighthouse. Who named this ancient river? The Liffey, Abhainn Life, Avenlif and Joyce's Anna Livia Plurabelle - all these names most likely derive from Magh Life, the rich plain or Magh of County Kildare through which the Liffey loops and curls on her way to the sea.

Beautiful closer to the Dublin Bay but not so much as you get further inland. The River Liffey is the heart of Dublin, splitting it from north side to south side. There are a bunch of bridges, some are for cars, some for pedestrians only, some only for trains. Early in the morning when the river is still and reflective, there are some amazing photographs available. Ha'Penny Bridge, Custom House, the Cathedral and more. I was up by Heuston Station where there are e-bikes and shopping trolleys in the riverbed. They're covered up as the tide comes in. Check the tide charts before you schedule a kayak tour! [Review 1811 of 2024 - 72 in Republic of Ireland - 22833 overall]

If you like bridges then you'll love the River Liffey. This river runs west to east, dividing the entire city of Dublin into two halves. There are many bridges that span the river, each unique in its architectural design. The oldest bridge still standing is the Mellows Bridge, constructed in 1764. Bridges have been added over the centuries, with the latest one being the Rosie Hackett Bridge in 2014. But perhaps the most well-known bridge for tourists is the Ha'penny Bridge, which was built in 1816 and was the first iron bridge to be added. There seems to be almost no bad spot for a photo op. Picturesque buildings line both sides of the river, though so does constant traffic. There are a lot of shops along the road on both sides, so this makes for a nice window shopping stroll. If you're in Dublin, you can't miss it!

The room of the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel I was staying at during a trip to Dublin overlooked the River Liffey and so when I would head out, the river was the first thing I would see! Liffey is a darkish color river, which flows quite swiftly and empties out into the Irish Sea. I very much enjoyed walking along the embankment of the river. It's narrow in some parts, but there is a footpath. Also every couple of blocks, I observed a lifesaver vest hung on the light poles, so thought that was a good thing in case anyone fell in, having those safety devices located nearby. The name of the River roughy translates to "life" which I think is most apros, as indeed rivers are the lifebloods where most great civilizations settled and got started. I also enjoyed learning the fact that historically, the River was also used to divide the rich and poor parts of Dublin town, and hence how the ha'penny bridge got its name cause of the tax the poorer folks would have to pay. In conclusion, when in Dublin, you will definitely encounter the River Liffey either taking a bridge to cross over the river or walking beside it! Yelp 102/ 2019

One of our first sights while taking the Aircoach bus into Dublin, was of The River Liffey. The River Liffey, or "Abhainn na Life" is the life blood for Dublin, much as the Seine is for Paris, or the Thames for London. These rivers define their cities because for several centuries they were use for commerce and trade long before the building of modern roads and rail lines. Today of course, they are more the rivers of poets and lovers. There are several beautiful bridges over The Liffey, the Ha'penny, Millennium, Samuel Becket, James Joyce and others that are worth seeing. If you find yourself in the the Temple Bar area, it's only a short one block walk to Ha'penny. Also, many of the "jump on, jump off" tour buses will make a brief stop if you ask politely. You can also walk along the small embankment, near Ha'penny and see the replica of the ship Jeanie Johnson near the Custom House Quay. Though it is much smaller than the Victorian one in London, it is still worth the walk -- if only to hold hands and take pictures with your partner. Today, the barge ships carrying Guinness to the docks are long gone, but The River Liffey for poets and lovers remain. I call your attention to Lisa J's review for a more local perspective. Enjoy!

This is the river that runs through the middle of Dublin. Because of it, they have some beautiful bridges that crosses the river. It seems to rise and fall a lot so depending on when you see if throughout the day it might be different heights.

Not being a Dubliner, I didn't grow up in the reflection of the grimey puddle that is the Liffey. I'm not struck with the bias that many of the other reviewers are so I'll be completely honest. It's a big mingin river that divides the city in two. But, jaysus does she have character. It divides the city in two and defines the city's identity. Without the Liffey Dublin would have no north and south no Olan in BT2 and Anto in doctor Quirkey's. Not to mention the fact that one of my favourite things, the ha'penny bridge is the joiner of the two. Sure, it's full of trolley's and poorly concealed dead bodies, but so is the back of Supervalu in Santry.

I'll never forget it. Coming out of the Pogues gig in the Point Depot*, just two days before Christmas. I'd lost my friends in the crowd, the night was dark and I was doused in sweat. Freezing cold now, I'd also lost my hood in the pit. And I come onto the quays, the city is bathed in light. The Liffey too, reflecting it back as I pass the famine memorial. For the first time ever I was looking at Dublin, from the banks of the Liffey, and it seemed like the most beautiful city in the world. It felt like anything could happen. Then some junkie asked me if I had any change for a 'hostel'. Moment ruined, reality restored. *not the 02-suck-my-balls-arena thank you very much

I'm a water baby and always need to be near water. Walking along the streets of the River Liffy is magical, especially at sunset​, dusk, or evening​hours​a. History, legends, beautiful architecture, bridges, boats, lifestyle choices--it's all here along the river. It was warm while we visited and Dubliner's were sunbathing.

A river that has songs written about it, a river that divides the city into the Northside and the Southside. It is one of the reasons why Dublin exists as it was the trading route that the Vikings took. Nowadays bridges criss cross it up and down the various postcodes. You can take boat tours down it and if you are really mental you can take part in the annual Liffey Swim. Personally I would encase my body from head to toe in some type of rubber suit as I have my misgivings about how clean the city centre part of the river is. The boardwalk the opens over the river is a great place to sit and have a drink and just enjoy this famous part of the city's history.

So there's "The North" [ of Dublin ] and there's "The South" [ of Dublin ] and then there's what's in between ... The River Liffey. A tidal river that now divides the city was once its life-blood ... transportation-wise and commerce-sake.. Months of walking across The Liffey over its many bridges I have yet to see a single boat on this piece of moving water - very strange. I mean it's not a wide river but come on, just one boat before I leave Dublin would be a welcome sight. To think that centuries ago Vikings lead ships up this very river. Closer to the Irish Sea you'll see a more modern look of architecture lining the river with banks ( what's left of them ) having newly built office buildings all in a row while further inland a more dated set of buildings, some ornate though most very provincial. Take a walk along it's banks where you can, like The Liffey Boardwalk or head inland a bit more where the river keeps going but the populous ceases.

It's a Dublin landmark you cannot miss. The history of this city has a lot to do with the Liffey and I walk by it and live by it. See the Liffey every day without fail and enjoy the atmosphere rain or shine. It is truly the heart of Dublin and always changing.

I wish that I had the knowledge to present the river's history and poetic influence like some of Dublin's other fine yelpers, but unfortunately I don't. All I know is that this little river snakes beautifully through the heart of the city. In terms of added grandeur and majesty, nothing improves a city quite like a river. Arrayed along the banks are gorgeous old buildings that, because of the river's breadth, are visible for miles. Then, arching between the banks, are a dozen bridges: some old, some new, all beautiful. Even though my day-to-day involves bustling hurriedly over the river it sometimes still catches me and makes me pause to admire.

My Ratings: Quality: 4 - Clean and calm Location: 4 - Nice Overall: Nice and a must see in Ireland! My Opinion/Story: I love how this river is a huge part of history. They kept it clean compared to some of the rivers in the states. The waters were calm and you don't see alot of jumpers. The businesses along the river were well kept. The river really gives the city a certain character that makes you love it more. I only wish I was able to do a river tour if I wasn't so pinched on time. But it's good enough for me to see it.

The Liffey makes Dublin. Probably disgustingly polluted, there is still no more beautiful sight than sunset (or for that matter, sunrise, though that means one of two things...you haven't gone to bed yet - good - or you're up early for work - bad) over the river, with the city lit up in all its glory. It's picture perfect and breathtaking... For some reason, Irish cities feel the need for this northside/southside divide (Cork has the same with the Lee) and it's always facilitated by an ancient trading river route. The Liffey was the lifeblood of Irish trade and retains that importance to the present day. Thank god that whole dying it green thing died a quick death. The scummy surface does us just nicely thanks!

I have always lived by the Liffey. It's quite nice to look out of my window at its murky waters. There's something very soothing about it. Despite its bad rep for being polluted, wildlife seems to thrive on it. The gulls and seals are living proof that the water can't be that bad. Another reason to love the Liffey is the fact that it divides the city into two sides: north and south. If it wasn't for the Liffey, we wouldn't be able to categorize and typecast Dubs.

I could not have been more disappointed in this tour to which I totally looked forward. Compared with the Jeannie Johnston tour, this was a bust. Our guide seemed to have some sort of issue which required him to gulp water continually through the tour. In addition, he ate hard candy and clicked same in his mouth loud enough to be heard through the microphone. He made "profound" statements such as: on your left is a bank. On your right is a building. He offered zero in terms of historical explanation including the famine statues. "On your right are the famine statues." On the other hand, I believe it would be a great experience if there was a different guide capable of presentation. The skipper of the boat was fine and the boat itself was fine. The water is beautiful. The surroundings are beautiful. This falls squarely on the shoulders of a beyond sub par guide.

Aww now, no need to be so hard on the Liffey guys. Recently I seen another side of it. (clean, beautiful, non trolly infested) Myself and my sister when kayaking from the canoe centre in Palmerstown which is situated right on the river Liffey. We spent three hours travelling up the river It was so amazing. We felt like we weren't in Dublin at all. paddling along we could see all the gardens of the people who live along it. Lots of vegetable patches some even had there own little jettys leading down to it. I was very surprised to see the amount of people socialising on it that day. Everyone had a canoe or kayak. Kids playing water volleyball even dogs in swimming. And i wouldnt mind it was typical irish weather that day rain rain rain yet everyone was out enjoying it. Perhaps the perfect way to spend a rainy day in dublin. On the Liffy. So please give the Liffey a break guys, its not all bad.

Wet, wet, wet and very deep! but oh how the liffey often divides the city while being ignored as the entity that it is, dirty and sluggish as it meets the sea but vibrant, fresh and with wildlife as it is born high in the Wicklow mountains. The liffey has many tributaries off of it, including the poddle and the dodder. There are many activites that take place on the Liffey, like canoeing and boating. I watched canoeists throw themselves off the O'Connell street bridgen once, yikes and yelp to the rushing waters below but thankfully it was all under control and nobody was hurt. People have tried to swim across sometimes to their fatal sorrow, and a bus once went in around 2000 but thankfully no-one was hurt in that accident. Then someone threw a rabbit belonging to a homeless man in, causing the man to dive in and rescue his beloved pet. Both surived and the thrower was arrested. I think i would have thrown him in myself. The vikings ships were the first ships to row up the river, a time long long before the bridges were around and many signs of their existance can be seen near the liffey, notably around christ church where if you look down you will see engravings of where viking tools and weapons and bowls were found. A sight a lot of passersby totally miss to their loss. Then it was the British fleets invading our beautiful city coming up the liffey. They would have been involved in building bridges over the liffey, one of the first being 'queens bridge' renamed i think by now! Then the likes of the halpenny bridge came along which today is a sight for tourists and local alike to this day. Then the British left and we the Irish were left with the destiny of our city, our rivers, and of course we then decided to create our own little wars between North and South side. Can we not just all just get along!!?

Thank you River Liffey for helping a tourist keep her directions straight while she wandered the streets of Dublin.

A fascinating tidal river with as much history as seaweed!

It's certainly not a river you'd want to fall into! The Liffey is a big part of Dublin, separating the northside from the southside. Even if it is polluted and dirty, there's just something about the city lights reflecting off the water's surface at night that makes it look so beautiful. I used to walk along the quays to commute to work in the mornings, and I'm convinced the wind is the strongest and coldest along the river!

When I saw it it was very shallow and quite dirty. But I am sure it compliments the city at different times.

There is something about strolling by the riverside that makes any city feel real. This isn't the prettiest river but it is certainly a part of what makes Dublin, Dublin. There are nice benches along the side so if you get tired on your stroll, you can always have a seat and ponder your place in life for a while!

Well, a river. But nothing very special in particular. Some bridges are nice, some bridges are just... bridges. If you are a little bit away from O'Connell Bridge, the river is quite dirty (especially more to the east). So... there are better places in Dublin.