Carrick A Rede

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Carrick a rede rope bridge

carrick-a-rede, northern ireland, nature
Photo by Ben_Kerckx on Pixabay

Located around 8 miles from the Giants Causeway, along the Causeway coast, close to Ballintoy in Northern Ireland, Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge is a suspension bridge originally made from rope that links Carrick Island to the mainland.

This site is on the world-famous Causeway Coast Route County Antrim, Northern Ireland and is maintained and owned by the conservation charity The National Trust. Nowadays, the bridge is open as a tourist attraction, with nearly half a million people crossing the rope bridge in 2019.

To enjoy an exciting clifftop experience visit the rope bridge to Carrick a Rede island on the Causeway Coast. This 20-metre-across and 30-metre-deep chasm above the Atlantic Ocean is crossed by the rope bridge salmon fishermen initially built. Individuals brave enough to walk across the bridge to the rocky island are rewarded with fantastic views.

The famous rope bridge Carrick-a-Rede in Northern Ireland is a must-visit for anyone in the area. It offers breathtaking views and a thrilling height not for the faint-hearted. Located on the Causeway Coastal Route near Ballycastle, the bridge’s name comes from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Carraig-a-Rade’, meaning ‘The Rock in the Road. The bridge was named after fishermen who caught Atlantic salmon from the island in 1755.

What is the Carrick a Rede rope bridge?

The bridge connects the mainland and the Island of Carrick-a-Rede. It comprises planks, wire, rope, and netting and is suspended 100 feet in the air, crossing 60 across the water. The Trust manages and maintains the rope bridge, ensuring its safety for crossing and other areas that protect ongoing conservation.

How long is the Carrick a Rede rope bridge?

carrick-a-rede, northern ireland, nature
Photo by Ben_Kerckx on Pixabay

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is located near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It serves as a link between the mainland and Carrick Island and has a length of 20 metres (66 ft) and a height of 30 metres (98 ft) above the ocean and rocks.

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones for the scene where Balon Greyjoy is killed by his younger brother Euron. The scene occurs on the bridge between the two towers of Pyke after an argument with his daughter, Yara.

How to get to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge

The best way to get to the bridge is to journey from Belfast along the Causeway Coastal Route or through Glens of Antrim, both routes are relatively easy and take about an hour each. We recommended driving through the glens to witness the stunning Irish forests, waterfalls, and coastal scenery.

To access Carrick-A-Rede’s rope bridge via public transport, you can take a train or bus from Belfast to Coleraine and choose one of two buses close to the Bridge. However, a 20-minute walk from the bus stop is necessary to reach the Bridge.

Top tips for visiting the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge safe?

white bridge over body of water
Photo by Adam Strong on Unsplash

The Bridge is well-maintained and closed during bad weather or windy days. It can be nerve-racking due to its bounciness and consists of two wooden planks on woven wire supports. It is not recommended for those with mobility issues, fear of heights, or balance problems. Children under eight should not cross the bridge, although no age limits exist.

Carrick-a-Rede Car Park

Behind the small cafe and gift shop at Carrick-a-rede, there is spacious free parking in the small car park. The shop offers postcards and trinkets for purchase and also provides a convenient spot to grab a snack and coffee before crossing the bridge.

There is an overflow car park further down in the quarry. This car park is generally only open at busy times and is not paved.

Facilities 

At the car park, there is a cafe called the Weighbridge Cafe. It has a small coffee shop that’s warm with a range of hot and cold drinks and warm. 

Tickets for the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

How to buy Tickets for the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

To buy your tickets for Carrick a Rede, you have two options.

On-site: This can be done at the ticket office next to the car park. However, do this as early as possible on the day of your visit or just ‘wing it’ and try your luck. A sign at the entrance lets you know when the next crossing tickets are available or if tickets have been sold out for the day.

Online: You can buy tickets here. You’ll get a digital ticket emailed. You can then either print it out or show them your phone.

Either way, give yourself time to arrive at the bridge from whatever experience you are coming from. And check the weather; they will close the Rope Bridge if it is too windy.

Do I have to pay to visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?

No. If you only want to see the rope bridge, then it does not cost anything to walk down; however, if you want to cross the rope bridge onto the island, then tickets are required.

Buying tickets for the bridge in advance is best during peak tourism season. The bridge can get over 2000 visitors daily, and tickets are timed for your crossing. You should book tickets online at the National Trust because they’re limited. After booking, you will receive an email and can pick up your printed ticket at the site.

An alternate route to the viewpoint doesn’t require crossing the bridge. You can choose to walk along the coastal path at no cost.

How much does it cost to cross Carrick a Rede rope bridge?

Tickets are required to cross the Carrick a Rede rope bridge.

Adult tickets cost £13.00

Child tickets are £6.50 for ages 5 to 17

A family ticket costs £32.50.

You can cross for Free if you are a National Trust Member, this includes national trust members from other countries Walking to the bridge is free, but crossing it requires a ticket.

How long to spend at Carrick a Rede?

The walk to the bridge and crossing to Carrick a Rede Island typically take 3-4 hours, allowing ample enjoyment of the scenery.

How long is the walk to Carrick a Rede rope bridge?

The view from the car park at carrick a rede towards the island

Reaching the viewpoint at Carrick-a-rede from the parking lot takes around 20-30 minutes of walking. The distance is about 1km. The walk is not challenging for most people, but it’s not advisable if you have mobility issues. The pathway is made of gravel and has some slight inclines. There are also 30 steep steps leading down to the bridge entry. Walking to the bridge entry point is free of charge.

It may not be advisable to bring small children who tend to wander or those in strollers who cannot navigate gravel paths. As shown in the article’s photos, the paths can be steep and only have ropes as barriers.

Is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge safe?

It was designed to support the weight of many people crossing the bridge simultaneously and undergo regular safety inspections.

The bridge is generally considered safe for visitors to cross, but those with a fear of heights or unsteady footing may find it challenging. It is essential to follow all posted guidelines and listen to the staff’s instructions on-site to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

History of Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The construction of the first rope bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island in 1755, a simple rope bridge with only one handrail, aimed to lessen the dependence on boats to reach the island. The island was used for salmon fishing from 1755 to 2002, but the fishing trade declined due to pollution and overfishing.

Alex ‘Achi’ Colgan was the last fisherman to work at Carrick-a-rede, where he and his uncle had been fishing for over 30 years. At over 80 years old, he describes it as the most challenging salmon fishery on the coast, with a daily catch of 250 or more.

What to see on The Island

There is little to do once on the island; the real attraction is crossing the bridge. However, the views on a clear day are fantastic. You can see Rathin Island, Isaly, Mull of Kintyre, and the Causeway Coast; it is a gorgeous spot for a picnic.

The Salmon Fishery

As you cross over the current bridge, you will see the tiny fisherman’s cottage and ice house of the salmon fishery near the island’s base. 

The salmon fishery was the reason the bridge and cottage were built. The fishermen were known to catch over 10,000 wild Atlantic salmon in their nets daily. The salmon fishery was in use right up until the early 2000s. 

The Salmon Fishermen Cottage is only open one weekend each month, but it’s worth finding out when this is. The National Trust has friendly staff and volunteers to take you into the cottage and share the stories of the bridge, the island, and the Causeway Coast – with a fish tale or two thrown in. 

Leaving the small fishing island

The rope bridge is a ‘one-way’ system, so you’ll likely have to wait to cross back. This is a perfect opportunity to get that selfie with the bridge in the background. The path to the left of the steps you initially came down has some of the best views of the rope bridge and island. 

For a small fee, you can get your official ‘Over the Bridge’ certificate from the visitor centre to get the documented proof of your crossing!

Opposite the entrance to the visitor centre is the cafe, where you can stop off for tea/coffee and a bun- they are delicious, and you earned it after that walk!

Ballintoy Park

If you are like us and have kids with you, then the island may not be for them. So we highly recommend taking them to the nearby park at Ballintoy. It’s only a short walk back up the hill and has a range of playthings and a sports cage for them to let off steam. It is a good place to sit, have a cup of tea, and relax while the kids play….they love a park!

Nearby Attractions

The Giant’s Causeway

Dunluce Castle

Mussenden Temple

Kinbane Castle

Rathlin Island

About the author

Originally from Scotland, Colin now resides near the beautiful seaside town of Portstewart on the Causeway Coastal Route. By day he works in IT and by day off he spends much of his time travelling around the Island with his young family, writing about his experiences for many sites both locally and nationally.

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