Europe
Ireland
Province of Leinster
County Dublin
Dublin
Dublin Attractions
River Liffey
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River Liffey

See all things to do
See all things to do
River Liffey
4
About
This large river runs through the heart of Dublin and divides the city's North and South sides.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: South City Centre
How to get there
  • George's Dock • 3 min walk
  • Mayor Square-NCI • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,161 within 5 kms
Thai Spice
363
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
McGettigans Cookhouse & Bar
634
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Irish • Bar • International
The Vintage Kitchen
2,084
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Irish • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Musashi IFSC
256
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Ely Bar & Grill
776
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Irish • Bar • International
Urban Brewing
283
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • International • European
Offbeat Donut Co.
157
0.5 km$ • Bakeries
Seven Wonders Ifsc
137
0.1 km$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Fast food
O'Neill's Victorian Pub, Pearse St.
400
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Irish • Bar
The Brew Dock
359
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Irish • Bar • Pub
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Attractions
645 within 10 kms
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
8,302
83 mSpeciality Museums • History Museums
The Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine Story
1,760
86 mHistory Museums
The Famine Sculptures
2,698
0.2 kmMonuments & Statues
Irish Family History Centre
119
0.1 kmVisitor Centres • History Museums
Sean O'Casey Bridge
55
80 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, City Quay
7
0.2 kmReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
The Linesman
3
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Triumphal Arch
11
0.1 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
George's Dock
4
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Irish Sailors Merchant Ship Memorial
6
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
771 reviews
Excellent
265
Very good
292
Average
177
Poor
28
Terrible
9
Traveller162014
Leeds, UK744 contributions
Geographical feature
Aug 2022 • Family
I came here on a day trip with my brother. As a geographer, we naturally walked alongside the main geographical feature of the city. There were some lovely views and bars and restaurants as we walked along it. I also believe you can do city kayaking on the river...maybe next time, Dublin!
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TheArtemisMoon
Greenville, SC457 contributions
Average River
Apr 2022
It's a river. Not much else you can really make of it. The water level did seem a bit low so that probably contributed to the underwhelming feeling you get. The water is extremely dark and it's easy to see why Dublin means "black pool". There are plenty of bridges to help you cross from one side of the city to the other. As with a good portion of Dublin, there was a bit of trash in the water and I'm not sure if that's normal or if the city has plans to clean up.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Swedishtomcat
Diss, UK3,162 contributions
The river through Dublin
Apr 2022 • Couples
Although the source is only 20 miles from Dublin, the river actually snakes it’s way 82 miles to get to Dublin. It splits the city in two and has 24 bridges. It is tidal so there are spells during the day when the river bed is exposed, much to the delight of the scavenging seagulls.
Written 7 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sharon D
Yate, UK48 contributions
Valentines short break
Feb 2022 • Couples
Great to walk either side taking in the atmosphere of pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops. Lots of Bridges to choose from to cross and great architecture
Written 15 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland17,322 contributions
Divides the North & Southside of Dublin City
Jan 2022 • Solo
The River Liffy runs right through the centre of Sublin City. Spanned by multiple bridges and the main one being O’Connell Bridge.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia15,106 contributions
Goes further than you might think
Oct 2021
Staying in the north side of Dublin, we were crossing this narrow expanse of water regularly, quite dirty, however, still adds to the beauty of this wonderful city, we also love the pedestrianised bridge that cross it.
Written 24 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kalkan White
Kalkan, Turkey7,012 contributions
A nice stroll down the side of the river!
Aug 2021 • Couples
I liked walking down the side of the river with its bridges, grand buildings & atmosphere. It gives the City a sense of perspective, with the tall buildings rising from its banks.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vanessa P
Calgary, Canada1,253 contributions
Walk to see
Sep 2019
This is a hard to miss landmark in Dublin, as the river cut the city. Actually a great idea to see the city, and it is FREE, is to just walk around. you will be surprised with the amount of things you will see, but that usually yo would miss if driving.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John M
Lyon, France1,875 contributions
The subject matter of the impenetrable last work of Joyce, Finnegan's Wake.
Feb 2020
The River Liffey is a central feature and reference point for everything happening in Dublin. As the Thames does for London, the Liffey divides the city of Dublin into the Northside and the Southside; without wishing to offend any sections of society it is fair to say that the southside is more affluent with the northside being more friendly and congenial.

There are numerous beautiful bridges that span The Liffey, with perhaps the Ha'penny bridge and O’Connell Bridge being the most famous. More additions include the Samuel Beckett Bridge (2009) and Rosie Hackett Bridge (2014). The James Joyce Bridge (2003), joins the south quays to Blackhall Place on the north side, and was opened on Bloomsday, June 16, 2003, in in honour of Joyce’s famous novel, Ulysses that was set in Dublin on 16 June 1904. So, as well as accommodating quite relentless vehicular traffic, today the bridges are a source of inspiration for writers, lovers, and countless Dublin poets!.

It is always a joy to check out the new buildings emerging in the skyline, while travelling along the Quays, including the barrel-shaped convention centre in the relatively new financial district, and the multicoloured buildings along the Liffey boardwalk. The Custom House is a striking older building on the south bank and St. Pauls Roman Catholic Church towers above the nearby apartment accommodation on the northside. When the weather is good but it is indeed a joy to walk along the river banks, and check out the range of buildings and bridges.

A number of artworks are located along the quays include the Famine Memorial Statues (near the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and the World Hunger Stone. The river is frequently referenced in popular culture (e.g. by Radiohead group) and is the subject matter (as far as the Professors can surmise, so far) for the impenetrable last major work of Joyce, Finnegan’s Wake.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland17,322 contributions
Liffey in March!
Mar 2020 • Solo
Great to see the sunshine and the Liffey on a fresh and cold March morning. Boats bobbing up and down. Recommended
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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RIVER LIFFEY (Dublin) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about River Liffey
We recommend booking River Liffey tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 14 River Liffey tours on Tripadvisor
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