The Liffey, or An Life in Irish, is a river that runs through the heart of Dublin, Ireland.

It provides a significant portion of Dublin's water supply. Notable tributaries of the Liffey include the River Dodder, the River Poddle, and the River Camac.

1. History of the Name

Originally named An Ruirthech, which means fast (or strong) runner, the river was later known as the Liffey. This name derived from Liphe or Life, which referred to the plain through which the river flows. The name evolved to the river itself and was colloquially called Anna Liffey, likely a play on the Irish Abhainn na Life resembling Anna Liffey in English.

2. Flow Characteristics

The Liffey begins as several small streams in the Liffey Head Bog, nestled between Kippure and Tonduff in the Wicklow Mountains. It travels approximately 125 km (78 mi) through counties Wicklow, Kildare, and Dublin before emptying into the Irish Sea at Dublin Bay. Predominantly, the river flows through Kildare.

It's primary tributaries are the King's River, River Dodder, River Poddle, and River Camac. The river is characterized by its lack of natural lakes, presence of a few islands, and sections of rapids near Dublin. Dams at Poulaphouca, Golden Falls, and Leixlip facilitate three hydroelectric power stations and create a significant reservoir at Poulaphouca.

3. Navigation and Uses

Historically, the River Liffey in Dublin was a vital conduit for trade, utilized since the Viking era. It links to the River Shannon through both the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal, enabling water connectivity to the west of Ireland.

4. Water Supply

About 60% of the Liffey's water is tapped for drinking and industrial use. The water is treated in wastewater plants before returning to the river. Contrary to popular belief, Guinness does not use Liffey water but sources water from the Wicklow Mountains.

5. Traffic and Transportation

Historically, cargo ships like the Lady Patricia and Miranda Guinness transported Guinness exports from the St. James's Gate Brewery up until the 1990s. Today, commercial and ferry traffic dominates downstream of the East-Link bridge, while a tour boat offers guided river tours through central Dublin.

6. Recreational Use in Dublin

The Liffey is popular for rowing, with several clubs based in Chapelizod. The Liffey Descent, a canoeing race from Straffan to Islandbridge, has been an annual event since 1960. Additionally, the Liffey Swim, a late summer event, attracts swimmers for a race from Watling Bridge to The Custom House every year.

7. History of Bridges Over the Liffey

The first significant stone bridge over the Liffey, known as the Bridge of Dublin, was constructed by the Dominicans in 1428. This bridge stood well into the 18th century, replacing an earlier wooden structure known as Dubhghalls Bridge at the same location. By 1577, Island Bridge was also constructed.

As Dublin grew into a bustling hub for business in the 17th century, four additional bridges were built between 1670 and 1684.

These included what are now known as Rory O'More Bridge, Grattan Bridge (formerly Essex Bridge), O'Donovan Rossa Bridge (previously Ormond Bridge), and Arran Bridge.

8. Present-Day Bridges

Today, the Liffey separates Dublin into Northside and Southside, with numerous bridges facilitating the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Prominent bridges include the West-Link Bridge on the M50 motorway, the Seán Heuston Bridge, and the iconic O'Connell Bridge. For pedestrians, three notable bridges are the Millennium Bridge, the Seán O'Casey Bridge, and the Ha'penny Bridge.