Tom Clarke (East-Link) Bridge, Dublin - a bridge over a body of water with buildings in the background
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Tom Clarke (East-Link) Bridge Dublin

4.3
·141 reviews·Dublin, Ireland

Dublin's Tom Clarke Bridge, formerly East-Link, offers scenic river views and a connection to Irish history. A free crossing with a rare lifting mecha...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for views and photos

CrowdMedium
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Tom Clarke (East-Link) Bridge, Dublin - a bridge over a body of water with buildings in the background

Tom Clarke (East-Link) Bridge Dublin

Best Time

Daytime

Best for views and photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dublin's Tom Clarke Bridge, formerly East-Link, offers scenic river views and a connection to Irish history. A free crossing with a rare lifting mechanism.

4.3
(141 reviews)

"Locals still call it East-Link, but this bridge honors Tom Clarke and offers great city views."

Vertical photo
TIP

Old Name Still Used

Many locals still call it the East-Link Bridge, so don't be surprised if you hear both names! :speech_balloon:

Rare Bridge Lifts

Seeing the bridge lift is a rare sight, even for locals. Don't build your visit around it! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bridge Itself

The Bridge Itself

River Liffey, Dublin

A significant Dublin landmark, once known as the East-Link Bridge, now named in honor of Tom Clarke.

River Liffey Views

River Liffey Views

From the bridge

Enjoy panoramic views of the River Liffey and the Dublin cityscape from this iconic crossing.

Planning Your Visit

Tolls and Renaming

The East-Link Bridge is now officially the Tom Clarke Bridge. While tolls were removed after 30 years, some locals still refer to it by its old name. Be aware of potential ongoing renovation needs.

Bridge Lifts are Rare

Don't plan your visit around seeing the Tom Clarke Bridge lift; it's a rare event. While designed to swing open for ships, it's not a common sight, even for lifelong Dublin residents.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for views and photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, soft light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

After someone lost the remote control to open the Sean O'Casey bridge in 2010, it remained close for 4 years #dublin #dublintiktok #dublincity #bridge #interestingfacts #interestingfactsforyou #amazin...
@dougiesharpe
85K likes • 681.5K views

Old Name Still Used

Many locals still call it the East-Link Bridge, so don't be surprised if you hear both names! :speech_balloon:

Rare Bridge Lifts

Seeing the bridge lift is a rare sight, even for locals. Don't build your visit around it! :camerawithflash:

Ireland 7 day Itinerary #visitireland #traveladvice #placestovisitireland #irish #ireland #irishgem #🇮🇪 #theirishgem #irishtiktok #dublin #clare #wicklow #irishtour #irishitinerary #travelireland #c...
@theirishgem
39K likes • 679.7K views
Kathleen Clarke’s last time seeing her husband, Tom Clarke, in Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, #irish #ireland #history
@davyholden
20.9K likes • 357.1K views

Toll Information

Tolls were removed after 30 years, but the bridge may still require ongoing renovations. :construction:

Great Photo Spot

The bridge offers great photo opportunities of the river and city. :iphone:

Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪 #IrishHistory #irelandhistory #irishtravel #irelandtravel
@davyholden
18.9K likes • 247.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Old Name Still Used

Many locals still call it the East-Link Bridge, so don't be surprised if you hear both names! :speech_balloon:

Rare Bridge Lifts

Seeing the bridge lift is a rare sight, even for locals. Don't build your visit around it! :camerawithflash:

Toll Information

Tolls were removed after 30 years, but the bridge may still require ongoing renovations. :construction:

Great Photo Spot

The bridge offers great photo opportunities of the river and city. :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(141 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Tom Clarke Bridge as a free and accessible crossing with good views of the River Liffey and Dublin cityscape. While its historical significance and renaming are noted, the rare occurrence of the bridge lifting is a point of interest, though not a primary draw. Some mention ongoing renovation needs.

"The Port of Dublin has such a cool industrial charm with amazing views — no filter needed! Loved the mix of ships, sea, and skyline. A unique and underrated spot to take in the city."

Thenucha Sivakumar

"nice but impossible to cross as it’s the main road"

Páťa

"Best view for Dublin Port and Liffey River, also great walk tour to city centre."

David Gabriel

What People Like

Free to cross
Scenic river views
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Rare bridge lifts
Potential renovations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tom Clarke Bridge (formerly East-Link Bridge) is accessible by public transport and car. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from the city center. If driving, be aware of potential traffic congestion. TikTok

Limited street parking may be available in the vicinity, but it's often easier to use public transport or nearby car parks in Dublin city. Reddit

Yes, the Tom Clarke Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly crossing over the River Liffey, offering scenic views. :athletic_shoe:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, crossing the Tom Clarke Bridge is free. The tolls were removed after the bridge was handed back to the county council. :ticket:

The bridge is open 24/7 for pedestrian and cyclist access. However, bridge lifts for maritime traffic are infrequent and not on a set schedule. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the bridge and cityscape. Evenings can also provide beautiful light. Reddit

The bridge itself offers great perspectives, as do the riverbanks on either side. Look for shots that include the Dublin skyline. :camerawithflash:

🎫 ℹ️ History & Facts

The bridge was renamed in honor of Tom Clarke, a prominent figure in the 1916 Easter Rising. TikTok+1

While designed to lift, bridge lifts are very rare and not a regular occurrence. It's unlikely you'll witness this event. Reddit

The East-Link Bridge was built as a toll bridge to facilitate river crossings and was designed with a bascule mechanism to allow ships to pass. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Tom Clarke Bridge is a safe and accessible option for families exploring Dublin. It's a great spot for a leisurely walk, allowing children to experience a different perspective of the city and the River Liffey. The lack of tolls and the open access make it easy for families to incorporate into their day without extra cost or planning. Consider bringing snacks and drinks for a more enjoyable outing. :apple:

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Tom Clarke Bridge is a fantastic free attraction. You can enjoy scenic views and a pleasant stroll without spending a penny. It's a perfect way to connect with the city's atmosphere and landmarks without incurring any costs. Combine it with a walk along the Liffey for an extended free exploration of Dublin. :euro:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Bridge's Identity: East-Link to Tom Clarke

The Tom Clarke Bridge, formerly known as the East-Link Bridge, holds a significant place in Dublin's infrastructure and history. Originally opened as a toll bridge, it was a vital crossing point over the River Liffey. The bridge's design included a unique feature: it could split and swing open to allow taller ships to pass through the city's port. This engineering marvel, while functional, has led to a rare spectacle – the bridge lifting for maritime traffic. TikTok

In recent years, the bridge was renamed to honor Tom Clarke, a key leader in the 1916 Easter Rising. This renaming reflects a broader effort to acknowledge and commemorate important figures in Irish history. While the official name has changed, some locals still affectionately refer to it by its former name, East-Link Bridge, showcasing its long-standing presence in the city's consciousness. Reddit The removal of tolls after 30 years also marked a new chapter for the bridge, making it more accessible to the public. Reddit

Experiencing the Tom Clarke Bridge

Visiting the Tom Clarke Bridge offers a pleasant experience, particularly for those interested in Dublin's urban landscape and history. The bridge provides excellent vantage points for photography, with opportunities to capture the River Liffey, the city skyline, and the bridge's own architectural features. Early mornings are often recommended for their serene atmosphere and softer light, making it ideal for capturing stunning images. Reddit

While the bridge's ability to lift for ships is a fascinating aspect of its design, it's important to manage expectations. As many locals and visitors have noted, witnessing a bridge lift is an exceptionally rare event. Reddit Therefore, the primary draw for most visitors is the scenic walk or cycle across, enjoying the views and the connection it provides between different parts of the city. The bridge's accessibility and its role as a free public crossing enhance its appeal for both residents and tourists exploring Dublin. :athletic_shoe:

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