The Liffey Boardwalk

Built with a more modern breed of tourism in mind, Dublin’s Liffey Board walk was created to bring visitors and city strollers even closer to the famous river that splits the capital in two.
While lovely views and good coffee can be had on sunny summer days, it is advisable to stay close to well-​populated sections of the boardwalk as homeless and substance abusers do gravitate to the areas here which are less visible from the street.
Looking past this, the boardwalk offers a few outdoor cafes and tourist spots which are thoroughly enjoyable in good weather. On a warm afternoon shoppers, families and passers by can be seen lounging in the sun, reading or watching the Liffey River Cruise which moors at Bachelors Walk.

The Liffey Boardwalk is a promenade hanging over the River Liffey along Batchelors Walk and Lower Ormond Quay, mounted on the quay walls. The boardwalk was opened in 2000 as one of the major millennium projects taken on by the government to improve amenities and attractions for both tourists and Dubliners alike.
South-​facing benches stretch the entire length of the boardwalk, making it a very pleasant spot for an al-​fresco lunch on a sunny day. There’s a coffee kiosk next to O’Connell Bridge, and the Liffey sightseeing cruises also depart from here.
In theory, the boardwalk is a very valuable addition to the city. But in reality, the project is dogged with controversy, as the boardwalk has become the most popular hangout for Dublin’s drunks, junkies and homeless people. Last year, the Ana Liffey Centre (who provide support services for alcoholics and drug addicts) proposed a new drop-​in centre on Abbey Street to specifically «tackle anti-​social behaviour on the Liffey Boardwalk». Though the proposal was abandoned at the last minute due to lack of available funding, it highlighted just how bad the problem has become.
All said, I’ve never been bothered by anyone here and often choose the boardwalk over the footpath on Bachelor’s Walk, though only during the day and when there are plenty of people around.

This links the Ha’Penny Bridge with O’Connell Bridge. It’s a pleasant feature to the Northside of the river. It takes you away from the traffic on the other side of the wall and there are plenty of seats to relax and take in the view of the Southside of the city and the murky Liffey!
There are a few coffee shops on or you could just bring your own and hang out with the punters that drink their cider for breakfast, mmm mmm mmm, gotta love that morning alcohol shot to start the day. Sarcasm aside, no one bothers you if you are like me and find the idea of a morning booze stomach turning. I’ve often relaxed to drink my coffee and have a sandwich and I have never felt in danger. Like any city, choose your time wisely as in 2am when the clubs close is probably not the wisest time to take in the city sights from the boardwalk.