The bridge's design is premised on a curvaceous deck that sweeps across the River Shannon and its embankments in five spans. The impression is both of a single crossing but also of a series of bridges jumping from pier to pier, like stepping stones in amongst the rivers wooded islands.

This span arrangement is a pragmatic response to the founding opportunities within the river, placing piers on the riverbanks, wooded islands and pool edges.

Supported from a pair of under-slung catenary cables, the deck offers wider platforms to be used as resting places or spaces for public art. Each pier also supports a small refuge protected by a vertically cantilevered glass screen, which frames the tree canopy beyond and shields an integral timber bench facing into the bridge deck.

As this is a 24-hour crossing, the lighting strategy was developed to ensure safety and visibility but also to enhance the users' experience and reinforce the geometry of the bridge. A variety of light sources have been incorporated into the superstructure and deck furniture as discreetly as possible.