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Here’s one of Northern Ireland’s most famous bridges: the Carrick-a-Rede bridge! Behind this rather complicated name lies a sublime rope bridge linking Carrick Island to the rest of Northern Ireland. As beautiful as it is impressive, it overlooks the ocean as well as the craggy outskirts of the island it links. A real regional attraction, the site attracts over 300,000 thrill-seeking visitors every year! A must-see tourist attraction if you’re feeling adventurous… and especially if you’re not afraid of heights!
Carrick-a-rede bridge – © robnaw
Did you know? The bridge at Carrick-a-Rede was originally a crossing point for wild salmon fishermen. The latter had discovered that Carrick Island was an important fishing spot, precisely during the salmon migration period.
So, to increase their chances of catching fish, they crossed from Ireland to this small island via this rope bridge… But be careful! At the time, the bridge was particularly dangerous and precarious! Erected more than 30 metres above the water, it was made entirely of braided rope: enough to create an unstable bridge, swaying with the wind and the weight of the men using it! You had to have a strong heart: the facilities back then weren’t as secure as they are today!
Year after year, the bridge deteriorated, making it increasingly dangerous for the Irish to cross.
Nevertheless, the beauty of this passage, with its vertiginous views, and the wild landscapes have ended up attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors. With the expansion of tourism, the bridge was finally renovated and is now highly secure, allowing visitors to pass peacefully to Carrick Island.
Nevertheless, it retains its original spirit: a rope deck, with a net and wooden planks on the ground for added stability.
The view from the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is breathtaking! – Conor Phelan
Want to go from Northern Ireland to Carrick Island on an unstable, vertiginous bridge… but in complete safety?
The adventure is as impressive as it is fantastic: this once-in-a-lifetime experience is a must!
If you’d like to give it a try, Carrick-a-rede is open every year from March to the end of September. We do, however, recommend that you go when the weather is fine (or at least clear, with little wind). It’s the best way to discover the site!
The bridge is 20 metres long, and overlooks the sea from a height of 30 metres. Completely safe, the bridge overlooks a magnificent landscape of raging water, imposing rocks and reefs. Down below, the turbulence of the waves brings an extra dose of adrenalin to visitors… for guaranteed thrills! The view below is magnificent, wild and intimidating: enough to make you want to hang on a little tighter to the bridge’s rope railing!
It should be noted, however, that this bridge is likely to give vertigo sufferers a bit of a headache. The bridge, although perfectly safe, tends to move a little depending on the people crossing it and the wind. There’s no risk in taking it, but it can be particularly difficult for those with a fear of heights!
For those who are more comfortable, don’t hesitate to equip yourself with a sweater just in case, a windbreaker… and enough to take a few photos. The views from the bridge are breathtaking. An experience you won’t soon forget!
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
119a Whitepark Road, Ballintoy (County Antrim) - Northern Ireland
55.239472, -6.332639
1 heure
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