The bridge is the most easterly crossing on the Liffey and replaced a number of ferries that carried cross-river traffic at the point as early as 1655.

Most of Dublin's docklands are east of the bridge, but it is raised on average three times per day to allow river traffic to pass.

[3][4] As of 2016, lorries and cars pay, either in cash or using electronic tokens, and cycles and motorbikes cross for free.

Originally adopting a functional name,[6] the East-Link bridge was officially renamed as Thomas Clarke Bridge by President Michael D. Higgins to commemorate the Irish republican Thomas Clarke.

[7] The renaming ceremony was held on 3 May 2016, marking the centenary of the day Clarke was shot in Kilmainham Gaol for his involvement in the 1916 Easter Rising.