Butt Bridge, Dublin

Stretching across the waters of the Liffey River at a slightly skewed angle is a fixture in Dublin's landscape, linking Georges Quay to Beresford Place and the North Quays near Liberty Hall. While it may not win any beauty contests against its more glamorous siblings like the Ha'Penny or Samuel Beckett bridges, it holds a special place in Dublin's heart, epitomizing the city's knack for blending tradition with modernity. As you amble across, you're greeted with a spectacular view of the river, Docklands, and the stately Custom House.

The predecessor to the current structure was a steel swivel bridge erected in 1879, named in honor of Isaac Butt, a prominent national figure who championed the Home Rule movement for Ireland's autonomy within the British Empire until his passing that same year. In 1932, as traffic grew heavier, the swing bridge was replaced with a three-span fixed structure, retaining the original name. Despite its sturdy construction in ferro-concrete, topped with granite detailing, the bridge maintains an elegant appearance.

Remarkably, the central span of the present bridge comprises two cantilevered sections, with the approach spans serving as counterweights. This innovative design marked the inaugural application of reinforced concrete in a cantilevered and counterweight construction in either Britain or Ireland, showcasing a pioneering engineering feat.