Dublin is cut in half by the Liffey River and one of the most famous parts of the city are the Quays – a series of wharfs with bridges on two roads running parallel to the river. The quays are historic, built in the 13th century by King John to facilitate commerce and trading in the city, when trading houses where erected in wharfs along the shipping lanes in the river. Today, the quays are lined with Irish pubs, historic buildings (like the Custom House) and several beautiful bridges spanning the river, including the famous Hapenny Bridge.