Hey there, adventurers!
We all have that one friend who just can’t sit still, right? Always chasing the next thrill, the next breathtaking view, the next challenge. For them, a simple stroll or sightseeing won’t cut it—they need something with a bit of a rush. And that’s exactly what the Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland delivers!
Imagine crossing a swaying bridge suspended 100 feet above the ocean, with the wind gently rocking it as you step carefully from one side to the other. It’s not just a walk—it’s an experience.
Today, I’m taking you through everything you need to know about visiting this incredible spot—from ticket prices to nearby sights and the best time to go. Let’s dive in!
Where Is the Rope Bridge?
You’ll find the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge tucked away in Northern Ireland, just a stone’s throw from Ballintoy Harbour. It’s super easy to get to—only about a 10-minute drive from Ballycastle and around 20 minutes from the Giant’s Causeway.
If you’re heading there in summer, just be prepared for a few delays—this spot is super popular with tourists, especially alongside the Giant’s Causeway. Lots of tour buses make their way up and down this scenic route, so plan accordingly.
You’ve got a few travel options:
- From Dublin or Belfast: Join a day tour or hop on public transport.
- By train: From Dublin, it takes around 5 hours and 48 minutes, costing €40–€65.
- By bus: Roughly the same duration as the train.
- By car: Totally doable, but remember—Irish roads can be narrow and winding, and they drive on the left-hand side. If you’re not super confident behind the wheel, a tour or public transport might be your best bet!
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
Your best bet is to go during spring or summer (May to September) when the weather is perfect for outdoor exploring. The bridge stays open longer during this period—from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm—giving you more time to take it all in.
That said, summer also means more crowds. If you prefer a quieter experience, try going on a weekday or early in the morning.
I visited in May, and it was a great choice—not too rainy or windy. Just a heads-up: if the wind gets too strong, the bridge closes immediately for safety. So check the forecast before you go!
Is the Rope Bridge Free?
Not quite, but it’s reasonably priced.
Here are the peak season ticket prices (at the time of writing):
- Adult: £15.50
- Child: £7.75
- Family: £38.75
But here’s the cool part: you only pay if you want to cross the bridge. The scenic walk from the car park to the bridge—about 1 km (a 20-minute walk)—is totally free!
When you arrive, you’ll see a little wooden hut near the car park. It might look like a ticket checkpoint, but you can simply walk past it if you’re not crossing the bridge.
Lots of people do this, especially if they’re not fans of heights. They pay the £10 parking fee and then enjoy the stunning views without setting foot on the bridge.
Even if you don’t cross, the walk is absolutely worth it. You’ll pass Larrybane Quarry, spot Sheep Island, and if the weather’s clear, you might even catch a glimpse of Scotland in the distance.
How Long Should You Stay?
Locals recommend setting aside 1 to 1.5 hours, but I’d say give yourself at least 2 hours if you want to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and snap some epic photos.
I stayed for a full 2 hours and loved every minute of it. No rush—just soaking in the views, the sea breeze, and the incredible landscape. And honestly, that’s the best way to experience it.
Is the Rope Bridge Safe?
Let me tell you all about my experience—by the end, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect!
Like most people, I was super excited (and a little nervous) about crossing the Rope Bridge. Near the parking lot, there’s a small shop selling snacks and drinks, with some tables outside if you want to chill for a bit. But honestly? I was way too eager to stop—I just wanted to get to the bridge!
It took me about 15 minutes to walk there, and sure enough, there was a bit of a line. Don’t be surprised if you see one too—this place is popular! Luckily, I only had to wait around 15 minutes, and the stunning coastal views made the time fly by.
But then… I saw the bridge.
Suspended 100 feet above the ocean, it looked more like a dare than a walkway. At first glance, it felt like a tangle of wires swaying in the breeze, stretching 60 feet across from the mainland to a small island called Carrick-a-Rede. I remember thinking, If I fall from that, it’s game over.
And I wasn’t the only one feeling the nerves. A few people ahead of me turned around and walked back. But let’s be honest—when you’re that close, you really don’t want to miss out, right?
Safety Measures That Reassure You
Once I got closer, my nerves started to ease. There were friendly staff members stationed on both ends of the bridge, carefully controlling how many people could cross at a time. The wooden planks were set close together, with just small gaps between them—nothing too intimidating. And the staff made it clear: crossing only takes 20 to 30 seconds, tops.
Honestly, their presence and clear communication made a huge difference in how safe I felt.
What If It’s Windy?
Good question—and an important one! If the wind picks up or weather conditions get risky, they close the bridge immediately. But don’t worry—there’s a cozy café nearby where you can wait things out. Once it’s safe again, the staff will reopen the bridge for visitors.
Some Helpful Tips I Picked Up While Waiting
Spending just 15 minutes in line, I actually learned a lot:
- Consider a National Trust Membership: If you plan to visit other National Trust sites like the Giant’s Causeway, Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple, or Castle Ward, getting an annual membership could save you money in the long run.
- Stay Overnight Nearby: Want to soak in even more of the natural beauty? Look into staying at Carrick-a-Rede Cottage. It’s perfect for stargazing at night and exploring nearby spots in the morning, like the charming village of Ballintoy, local pubs, shops, restaurants, and the beach.
Why Was the Rope Bridge Built in the First Place?
There’s actually a fascinating bit of history behind this iconic structure.
The name Carrick-a-Rede comes from the Scottish Gaelic Carraig-a-Rade, meaning “The Rock in the Road.” That “rock” was actually an obstacle for migrating salmon, which made this area a prime spot for fishing.
Believe it or not, salmon fishing at Carrick-a-Rede and nearby Larrybane dates back to 1620! Back then, the bridge was built to give fishermen access to the best fishing spot. It was such a big deal that King James I & VI tried to lure Protestant merchants from London to Northern Ireland by granting them salmon fishing rights!
You’ll even spot old cottages along the coast—some perched on cliffs or tiny islands—where fishermen once lived and worked. Places like Kinbane Head and Carrick-a-Rede still carry that deep-rooted heritage today.
The Story of Salmon & the Bridge to Carrick-a-Rede
Have you ever heard of the legendary warrior Finn McCool? In Irish mythology, he gained incredible wisdom by accidentally tasting a magical salmon. That very idea is celebrated today with a sculpture called “The Big Fish” in Belfast—built in the 1970s to mark the return of salmon to the River Lagan. Pretty fascinating, right?
But the story of salmon in Northern Ireland doesn’t stop there…
For over 350 years, fishermen built rope bridges to reach Carrick-a-Rede Island, where salmon fishing once thrived. The bridges back then? Let’s just say they were nothing like what we have now. In fact, the version from the 1970s had just one handrail and a few sketchy wooden planks with open gaps. Believe it or not, there’s even a famous photo of a man sitting casually on that terrifying bridge!
Fast-forward to today, and things are a whole lot safer. The current rope bridge, constructed in 2008 by a Belfast-based company, features two sturdy handrails, a solid boardwalk, and safety nets along the sides. Sure, it sways a little in the wind (which adds to the thrill), but there’s no need to worry about falling—it’s built to keep visitors safe while they enjoy the experience.
What Happened to the Fishing?
Sadly, the tradition of salmon fishing at Carrick-a-Rede came to an end in 2002. Over time, salmon began migrating elsewhere due to pollution, overfishing, and environmental changes. That year, Alex Colgan, a fisherman from Ballintoy, caught the very last fish from these waters, bringing centuries of local fishing heritage to a quiet close.
Now, the only reminder of that legacy is a lonely whitewashed fisherman’s cottage on Carrick-a-Rede Island—standing as a peaceful tribute to a long-lost way of life.
What’s Waiting on the Other Side of the Bridge?
So, what’s the reward for crossing a rope bridge 100 feet above the sea?
An unbeatable view.
The vibrant green waters below, seabirds flying overhead, and the sight of Rathlin Island and even Scotland in the distance—it’s all absolutely breathtaking. And if you time it right, you might even spot basking sharks, dolphins, or porpoises gliding through the waves. It truly feels like viewing the coastline from a bird’s-eye perspective.
No wonder it’s a top spot for selfies and panoramic photos!
Many visitors bring along a picnic to enjoy on the island, sitting back and taking it all in for a little longer. Honestly, after seeing people do that, I’m definitely bringing snacks next time too!
Don’t Miss the Magic of the Night Sky
Here’s something a lot of people miss—stargazing at Carrick-a-Rede is an experience like no other. The island is one of just two official ‘Dark Sky Discovery’ sites in Northern Ireland (the other being Oxford Island near Lough Neagh). The sky here, on a clear night, is simply dazzling—filled with twinkling stars you can’t see from cities. It’s like stepping into a whole other world.
Of course, to catch that view, you’ll need to stay overnight nearby. But even if you can’t, spending just a couple of hours there before heading back will leave you with memories you’ll never forget.
Heading Back
When you’re ready to return, there’s only one way back—across the rope bridge again! But don’t worry, the walk back offers its own reward.
After crossing, you can take a different trail that winds up a small hill, giving you a stunning new angle of the bridge and coastline. Eventually, you’ll rejoin the main path back to the car park.
As I made my way back, I felt completely content. The mix of thrill, natural beauty, and local history made the whole day unforgettable. Sure, I was a little sad to leave, but I left with a smile—and a heart full of amazing memories.
What to Know Before You Go: Rope Bridge Edition
If you’re planning to visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, here are a few key things you should know before setting off—it’ll make your trip smoother, easier, and a whole lot more enjoyable!
1. Book Your Ticket in Advance
Yep, the Rope Bridge now runs on a timed ticketing system, so you’ll need to book your slot online ahead of time via the official website.
Tip: Even with a ticket, allow an extra 15–20 minutes in your plan to walk from the car park to the bridge itself.
2. Parking Info
If you’re buying a ticket to cross the bridge, parking is included—which is great!
But if you’re only visiting the area and not crossing the bridge, parking costs £10 per car.
3. Consider a National Trust Membership
If you’re planning to explore other nearby National Trust sites like:
- Giant’s Causeway
- Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple
- Castle Ward
…then grabbing an annual membership could save you money. It’s worth checking out if you’re touring the region!
4. Explore Nearby Attractions
Carrick-a-Rede isn’t the only gem in the area. The Causeway Coastal Route is packed with stunning sights. Here are some nearby must-visits:
- Whitepark Bay (8 mins) – Gorgeous beach for a peaceful stroll
- Dunseverick Castle (5 mins) – Ruins with epic views
- Kinbane Castle – A bit of a climb, but oh-so worth it for the coastal scenery
- Ballintoy Harbour (7 mins) – A charming spot and Game of Thrones filming location
- Ballycastle Beach (6 mins) – Perfect for a quick beach walk
- Giant’s Causeway (20 mins) – A world-famous natural wonder
- Dunluce Castle (21 mins) – Cliffside castle ruins with a dramatic view
- Old Bushmills Distillery (18 mins) – For a taste of Irish whiskey
- The Dark Hedges (19 mins) – A magical tree-lined road that’s a must-see!
So, if you’re making a day of it, there’s plenty to see nearby!
5. Dress for the Weather
The bridge is totally exposed to the elements, so check the forecast and dress accordingly.
- In winter: Bundle up—think warm layers and waterproof gear.
- In summer: It can still be very windy, so bring a light jacket just in case.
6. Bring Your Camera… and Be Ready!
Yes, the views are photo-worthy, but don’t get too caught up snapping shots while crossing—staff often ask visitors to keep moving.
So if you want that iconic bridge selfie, be quick about it or take your best shots before and after crossing.
