Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge stands as a testament to both human ingenuity and natural grandeur, suspended 30 metres above the Atlantic Ocean's crashing waves. For over 350 years, this 20-metre span has connected the rugged cliffs of County Antrim to Carrick-a-Rede Island, originally built by salmon fishermen to intercept migratory fish. The current steel-and-Douglas-fir structure, erected in 2008, replaces earlier versions that were rudimentary and perilous, yet its purpose remains rooted in the island's history. Once a hub of the salmon industry-where fishermen like the last custodian, Alex Colgan, caught thousands of fish annually-the bridge now serves as a gateway to one of Northern Ireland's most thrilling natural experiences. Owned by the National Trust since the 1960s, it balances conservation with accessibility, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its vertiginous path and cliff-edge vistas.
Crossing the bridge is an exhilarating encounter with the elements. At just one metre wide, its wire cables and planks sway beneathfoot as the sea churns far below, offering a rush tempered by stringent safety measures. The journey includes a 20-minute walk from the car park along paths leading to the island, where a weathered fisherman's cottage and nesting seabirds-guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars-hint at its working past. From the island's summit, views stretch west to the Giant's Causeway and Scotland's Mull of Kintyre on clear days, framed by the volcanic plug cliffs that define the landscape. The National Trust's timed entry system ensures manageable crowds, though early mornings or winter months provide the quietest encounters with the site's raw beauty.
Beyond its physical challenge, Carrick-a-Rede holds layers of cultural and geological significance. Its name, derived from Gaelic terms referencing a rock in salmon migration routes or a "casting" point, reflects its ecological role. The island's cliffs, formed by ancient volcanic activity, are part of an Area of Special Scientific Interest, home to rare flora and fossils. Visitors might spot dolphins or basking sharks offshore, while the nearby Larrybane Quarry-used in Game of Thrones filming-adds a modern narrative layer. Despite its fame, the bridge's essence remains unchanged: a fragile thread between land and sea, history and adventure, demanding courage to cross but rewarding with an unforgettable connection to Ireland's wild coast. Pre-booking is essential, and while the crossing itself is swift, the memories linger long after leaving the rope swaying in the Atlantic breeze.
Getting There
Parking
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers on-site parking facilities that are included in the ticket price for visitors who plan to cross the bridge. For those who wish to visit without crossing, parking costs £10 per car and grants all-day access. The main car park is located near the visitor center and requires a short 20-minute walk (approximately 1km) along a well-marked path to reach the bridge. A smaller, free alternative parking option is available at Larrybane Quarry, located further down the trail, offering a 5-minute walk to the bridge entrance. This quarry lot is ideal for visitors seeking a shorter walk but may fill quickly during peak times.
Parking at both locations is limited, and spaces for campervans and motorhomes are restricted and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. No overnight parking is permitted. The main car park typically opens at 9:00 am and closes between 5:00-6:30 pm depending on the season (exact times vary; check seasonal schedules). Visitors with tickets should present their booking to the on-site National Trust attendant upon arrival.
During busy periods, consider taking a guided tour from Belfast to avoid parking challenges. Due to limited connectivity in the area, downloading tickets or itinerary details beforehand is advisable for a smoother experience.
Pricing
Admission fees for Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge vary by season and visitor type. Adult tickets cost £13.50 (€15.53) during off-peak periods (November 4-March 3) and £15.50 (€17.83) during peak season (March 4-November 3, 2024). Child tickets (ages 5-17) are £6.75 (€7.76) off-peak and £7.75 (€8.90) during peak. Children under 5 enter free.
Family tickets offer savings: two adults and children pay £33.75 (€38.81) off-peak or £38.75 (€44.56) during peak. Reduced-price family options for single adults are available but less commonly referenced.
National Trust members enjoy free entry, though tickets must still be reserved in advance. Parking is included with bridge tickets; standalone parking for non-crossers costs £10 (€11.50).
Additional costs include an optional "Over the Bridge" commemorative certificate for a nominal fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via the National Trust's website. Seasonal pricing is clearly marked on their official site, and annual National Trust memberships are ideal for visitors planning multiple trips to Trust-managed attractions like the Giant's Causeway.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Promo Code & Special Offers
Current promotional offers:
- Family Discount available.
- Children under 12 enter for half price.
- Seniors (60+) receive a 15% discount.
- Students with valid ID get a 10% discount.
Membership or loyalty programs:
- National Trust, RSPB, or Ulster Wildlife members qualify for a discount.
Nearby Attractions
Dark Hedges
Along Bregagh Road in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, lies the Dark Hedges – an avenue of beech trees famous for the dramatic, spooky tunnel formed by their interlocking branches. Planted back in the...
Distance: 12.0 km
Bushmills Distillery
In the village of Bushmills on Northern Ireland's rugged north coast sits the Old Bushmills Distillery. It's famous for being the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, getting its permit from Ki...
Distance: 12.6 km
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a basalt outcrop along Northern Ireland's rugged Causeway Coast, is a testament to centuries of conflict, ambition, and legend. Its jagged cliffs plunge 100 fee...
Distance: 18.0 km