The bridge is dedicated to the Nobel Prize for Literature winning writer and playwright, Samuel Beckett. It was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, who also designed a bridge dedicated to another Irish writer, James Joyce, that is located upstream of the Samuel Beckett Bridge. Calatrava is well known for his bridges with many constructions in Europe, Asia and the Americas. The bridge was not constructed here in Ireland but was built in Rotterdam and floated in from there and into place on the River Liffey. Quite a task. At quiet periods it makes for an easy crossing of the river linking the northside and southside, but is jammed with traffic at busy times of the day and with many turns onto and off the bridge not being allowed it is only accessible for some traffic.

It is said to be based on the Irish harp, a symbol of Ireland from centuries past. It is quite a striking bridge and I think it sits very well in the cityscape along the river. Before its construction, it opened in 2009, this section of the river looked somewhat empty. It serves as a pedestrian and traffic thoroughfare and swivels on its pedestal to allow ships to pass through. 

Here is an image of the Samuel Beckett Bridge and the River Liffey looking upstream from the East Link Toll Bridge when the Tall Ships were berthed in Dublin in 2012. And here is an image of the bridge, the first below the slideshow, along with the National Convention Centre from a nighttime photo tour of Dublin.