The Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin is one of the country's most famous structures. First installed and opened for traffic in December 2009 the bridge has a 123 metre span running across the River Liffey and reaches 46 metres above the river below.
Usually open to traffic, it is seen here in its closed position (or is that open?) which allows for shipping traffic to pass upstream and also to alllow for maintenance.
There can hardly be a more scenic bridge when undergoing maintenance than the Samuel Beckett, stationed like an aircraft carrier on the colourful evening River Liffey with night lights of the city.
It's truly a sight to see it rotate into this position, especially in the twilight hours. The bridge undergoes a maintenance schedule regularly and you can find future dates and times here.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava in 2007, the bridge was built in Rotterdam and its 2,500 tonnes were floated into position on a barge having come down the English Channel, around Cornwall and up the Celtic and Irish Seas to the River Liffey.
It is the architect's second bridge in the city, the first is also dedicated to an Irish writer - James Joyce.
Join me to photograph Ireland's modern and ancient bridges.
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