New look Cork's famous 'Shakey Bridge' reopening after €1.7m refurbishment

Locals in Cork are looking forward to the reopening of their iconic 'Shakey Bridge' this weekend following a €1.7m restoration. 

There has been intense speculation whether the suspension pedestrian bridge, one of the last of its kind in the country, will retain its characteristic wobble when it reopens.

The bridge was first opened in 1927 and was christened "Daly's Bridge" in honour of John Daly, a Cork merchant "prince" who made his money in milk, and who helped fund its construction.

The bridge was given its nickname "shakey" from how it swayed when you walked along it.

Engineers have said they are delighted to have been able to retain the heritage structure’s famous quirk.

"Great news for residents in Sunday’s Well and Shanakiel (with) access to schools and amenities," Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, a former Lord Mayor, wrote on Twitter.

City Council is planning a small re-opening ceremony today ahead of its opening for public use from Saturday.

Local councillor Kieran McCarthy, an historian who has long been a champion of the suspension pedestrian bridge, also confirmed the news on Twitter.

Cllr McCarthy said: “I think we’ve got added value to the shakeability of the shakey bridge,” he said.

“I think people will be very happy that it still shakes. I would invite people to come down to test it out. Don’t come in large numbers but do come down to see the refurb job.”

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Online Editors