The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was one of my favorite places that I saw when I visited Northern Ireland. The scenery was amazing and I did not expect to find such blue water on the coast of Ireland.
The Rope Bridge has been around for over 200 years in some form and was originally used by fishermen so that they could catch salmon during the summer. It still is used by the fishermen but is also a very popular tourist attraction.
The bridge that is currently there is not 200 years old and is very safe. There is also a bridge monitor to regulate the bridge traffic and make sure that it is safe to cross. If you are scared of heights you might not want to cross but you will be missing some spectacular scenery on the other side. This might even be a good opportunity to face your fears.
To get to the bridge you park at the visitor lot, pay your entrance fee and walk downhill about 30 minutes to get to the bridge. I did it in about 20 minutes because the tour that I was on did not give us enough time. Take into account that it is all uphill on the way back so you will need some extra time.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is the type of place that you will want to visit when the weather is clear. If it is rainy or foggy you are not going to get to see much and they do close the bridge when the weather is bad.
- Visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge website for more information.
- The admission fee for adults is currently £5.60 with discounts given to children and families.
- The bridge is often included in tours to the nearby Giants Causeway that leave from Belfast.
- Bus tours often do not give you enough time so if you want to spend more time there you should drive.
- You can reach the via public bus transportation from Ulster Bus. This method is time consuming so if you are short on time I would use an alternative method.
Jonny Blair says
Hi Jeff – so glad to have come across your site and really overjoyed that you visited my country Northern Ireland and liked it!! The Bridge is definitely worth doing, I even did it myself on my last trip back home!! Safe travels, Jonny
Jonny Blair recently posted..The Best Value Boat Cruise in the World: 20 cents for the Star Ferry, Tsim Sha Tsui to Central, Hong Kong
Jeff says
Thanks for visiting. I really enjoyed Northern Ireland. I did not know much about it before I went and I will definitely return.
Freya says
Hi Jeff! The water looks so inviting! I thought you can only see that in Asia, like in Thailand. Would love to cross that bridge though. Looks exciting 😀
Jeff says
I did not expect to find water like that in Ireland. It was probably a little too cold to swim in though.
Jean of Holy Smithereens says
those photos you took almost look like paintings! good on you for crossing the bridge. hope it didnt sway too much!
Jean of Holy Smithereens recently posted..Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, and Food Tripping. Things that the Philippines and Malaysia are made of.
Jeff says
The bridge was pretty solid. They only close it if it too windy. I was amazed by how blue the water was in Ireland.
Jenna says
Great post! We are heading to Northern Ireland this fall and are looking forward to crossing the bridge. Your photos make me even more excited to go! Sounds like a great time!
Jeff says
It really is a spectacular coastline. Make sure you have enough time there to enjoy it. A visit to the nearby Giants Causeway is also a must.
Leah says
These kind of bridges freak me out since I’m afraid of heights, but I’d love to see this place. I’ve never been to Northern Ireland. It looks stunning.
Leah recently posted..A Guide to Coffee & Cocktails in Italy
Jeff says
It is a stable bridge. The views from the other side would make the walk worth it.
Mo says
I was there and done this trip… the bridge specially is my Fav! Great pics!
Mo recently posted..Photo: The Valley of Two Lakes – Glendalough
Vanessa says
I did the rope bridge about 10 years ago! It’s such a pretty area. Great point about taking your time with the walk – you want to enjoy it and have enough energy to get back to the bus!
Nigel Kane says
So great you visited my home country Northern Ireland. Hope we looked after you well :-).