On the very top of Northern Ireland’s craggy coastline sits one of the region’s most underrated attractions, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. It may not sound like much but visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is visiting one of Northern Ireland’s most historical sites. Here’s why:
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What is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?
Swaying 100 feet above a rocky shoreline, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge connects the mainland to the island of Carrickarede. This simple suspension bridge spans 66 feet and, in one form or another, has allowed local fishermen access to bountiful salmon runs off the island for over 350 years. It is said that over 300 salmon were captured per day during its peak. With dwindling salmon numbers, today the bridges primary function is providing tourists a thrilling and beautiful experience.
How to get to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge can be easily done on a day trip from Belfast or Derry or as part of a road trip around Ireland. Located off the scenic B15, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is just 7 miles east of Bushmills and 5 miles west of Ballycastle. Parking is free and plentiful. Note: Visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is dependent on weather conditions. Best to check ahead!
What’s nearby the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?
Although you can spend a day enjoying the sunny scenery and hiking the Coastal Walk, visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge can be done in a few hours. Thankfully there is plenty to see and do nearby, making it the perfect roadside attraction on an Ireland road trip. Sixteen minutes down the road is Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction, the Giants Causeway. Another 6 minutes away is the sleepy town of Bushmills, famous for the distillery of the same name. Lastly, Game of Thrones fans will be making plenty of stops including The Dark Hedges, Larrybane, and Castleward.
Don’t miss visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Whether you are touring Northern Ireland’s castles, coastal towns, or are in Belfast and looking for an outing, visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge should not be missed. In doing so you will see some of the best coastal scenery Northern Ireland has to offer. Hopefully, the weather on your visit is as great as what I had!
Visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: Good to Know
Hours: Typically 09:30 – 18:00 but be sure to check ahead through their website!
Cost: Adult: £7.00 Child:£3.50
Don’t Miss: The Coastal Walk Trail. Keep an eye out for dolphins!
What say you?
Thoughts on Visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?
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Oh my goodness, that looks scary!
It is, at first, but you get used to it. The views make it so worth it!
It looks like such an amazing place to visit
It’s a gorgeous place. Hope you get to visit soon!
Wow. Great views. Hope one can handle a cam from atop the bridge. Amazing sweeping views. Would love to try that someday.
It’s more stable than it looks, actually, so yeah, you can easily use a camera from the bridge. And the views make it so worthwhile.