The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is one of the most thrilling experiences in Northern Ireland: a suspension bridge about 20 metres long, 30 metres above the sea, linking the Antrim coast to the tiny island of Carrickarede. Crossing it, with the wind blowing and turquoise water beneath your feet, gives you a little shiver; on the other side, the view of the coast, Rathlin Island and, on clear days, Scotland rewards every step. It lies a few minutes from the Giant's Causeway.
History
For more than 250 years the bridge was used by salmon fishermen. During their migration towards the rivers where they were born, salmon pass close to the island, and the fishermen set their nets there. The name Carrick-a-Rede comes from the Irish Carraig a' Ráid, "the rock in the road", perhaps referring to the passage of the fish. The fishermen built the first bridge around 1755 with rope and planks, and put it up again every spring. Salmon fishing here ended in 2002, when the fish had become scarce. Today the bridge, rebuilt several times with modern, safe materials, is managed by the National Trust.
- 60 million years agoThe island is formed from the plug of an ancient volcano
- c. 1755Salmon fishermen build the first bridge
- 2002Salmon fishing at Carrick-a-Rede ends
- 2008The current bridge is installed
What to see
The path and the bridge
From the car park, a coastal path of about a kilometre runs along the cliff, with views over the bays and islands. You reach a metal staircase and the bridge, which is crossed in small groups, holding on to the side ropes. The bridge sways slightly, but it is safe and supervised by staff. Those who suffer from vertigo can enjoy the view from the mainland.
The island
On the island of Carrickarede stands the small fishermen's cottage, and you can walk on the grass to the edge of the cliff. The panorama is extraordinary: Rathlin Island, the Antrim coast and, on clear days, the Scottish island of Islay and the Kintyre peninsula. The water is so clear that you can see the seabed, and gulls, fulmars and guillemots often pass by, sometimes even dolphins and basking sharks.
The geology
The island is what remains of an ancient volcanic plug about 60 million years old, from the same period that created the Giant's Causeway. The traces of the eruptions can be read in the rock faces.
Practical information
Access to the bridge is by timed tickets, to be booked online in high season. The bridge closes in strong winds or bad weather, so check before setting off. Opening times vary with the seasons. There is a small café near the car park. Up-to-date information on the National Trust website.
Getting there
- By car: along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, near Ballintoy, about an hour and a quarter from Belfast and an hour from Derry.
- By bus: in summer the Causeway Rambler links the sights of the coast; during the year there are buses from Coleraine and Ballycastle.
- By air: Belfast International Airport is about an hour away.
Nearby
- Ballintoy harbour, a Game of Thrones filming location, and Whitepark Bay beach.
- The Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle.
- Rathlin Island, with its puffin colonies, reached by ferry from Ballycastle.
Tips
- How long: about an hour and a half for the path and the bridge.
- When to go: April to September; early in the morning you avoid the queues.
- A tip: combine your visit with the Giant's Causeway and Dunluce on the same day, driving along the coast road.