Didn’t this bridge have several names? It’s Mellows Bridge, a structure steeped in Dublin’s history. It stands as the oldest bridge still gracing the River Liffey. Mellows Bridge connects Queen Street and Arran Quay to the south quays.
Originally, it was known as Arran Bridge. That bridge emerged in 1683. Landowner William Ellis funded it with Dublin Corporation. It was named after Richard Butler, the Earl of Arran. In 1699, a drawing depicted it as a four span stone arched bridge. People also called it Bridewell Bridge because of its proximity to Smithfield Bridewell. Some knew it as Ellis’s Bridge due to its association with Sir William and Sir John Ellis.
But tragedy struck in 1763. A flood swept Arran Bridge away. A raft of timber lodged against the middle arch. The water’s force increased and the piers collapsed.
A new bridge arose from the ashes between 1764 and 1768. Military engineer Charles Vallancey designed it. This time, it was a three elliptical arch stone bridge. They christened it Queen’s Bridge. It honored Charlotte of Mecklenburg, Queen Consort to George III.
Fast forward to January 2, 1922. The Municipal Council decided on a change. The bridge became Queen Maeve Bridge. It was named after the legendary Queen Maeve.
Then, in 1942, another shift occurred. It finally received its present name. It became Mellows Bridge. The bridge pays tribute to Lieutenant General Liam Mellows. He was an Irish Republican Army leader executed during the Irish Civil War.
Though Mellows Bridge is old, it has seen changes. The parapets were replaced between 1816 and 1818. Cast iron balustrades and stone copings now adorn it.
Because of its many name changes, Mellows Bridge is known by several other names. Some still call it Queen’s Bridge. Others use Queen’s Street Bridge or even Mellowes Bridge. It elegantly stretches 43 meters. It links the north city to Bridgefoot Street on the south side. Mellows Bridge stands as a testament to Dublin’s evolving story.