[3] Originally humped,[3] and narrower, Carlisle bridge was a symmetrical, three semicircular arch structure constructed in granite with a Portland stone balustrade and obelisks on each of the four corners.

When the bridge was reopened around 1882 it was renamed for Daniel O'Connell, when the statue in his honour was unveiled.

[a] In recent years, the lamps that graced the central island have been restored to their five-lantern glory.

In 2004, a pair of pranksters installed a plaque on the bridge dedicated to Father Pat Noise, which remained unnoticed until May 2006,[8] and was still there as of June 2020.

The bridge is the setting of Liam O'Flaherty's short story, The Sniper, and is also referenced in several other works, including James Joyce's novel, Ulysses.