Northern Ireland’s exhilarating Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge has reopened for those bold enough to take the walk across it.
The famous suspension bridge, one of the many major stops along the celebrated Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim, is now welcoming back guests following a period of pandemic-related closure.
First erected by salmon fishermen more than 250 years ago, the attraction is owned and maintained by the National Trust, a registered conservation charity founded to protect beautiful and special places.
Spanning 20 metres and suspended almost 30 metres above the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, the narrow rope bridge provides an adrenaline-charged passage across the sea to the calm of the tiny Carrick-a-Rede Island, home to a single fisherman’s cottage.
The crossing is not for the faint-hearted, yet it offers the chance to surrender to the mercy of the elements and experience a truly unique view of the dramatic Antrim coastline.
With stunning views to Rathlin Island and Scotland, the area is exceptional in natural beauty. The site and surrounding area is an Area of Special Scientific Interest and home to unique geology, flora and fauna. Underneath the bridge large caves are visible, which were once used by boat builders and as shelter during stormy weather.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge seems to fit perfectly into this stunning landscape, providing the finishing touch to the panoramic views and outstanding scenery of the area. Thousands of people go every year to blow out the cobwebs, see the beautiful coastal scenery, spot rare wildlife and make that special crossing.
Crossing the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
The rope bridge also featured in Game of Thrones® and is visible in the background of scenes filmed at nearby Larrybane Quarry, where Renly Baratheon made his camp.
Pre-booking online is essential for a rope bridge crossing, as the National Trust limits the number of people who can cross the bridge in any given hour.
An onward trip on the Causeway Coastal Route is highly recommended. Hugging the coast from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry, the route takes in some of Northern Ireland’s best-known landmarks and rewards travellers with breathtaking views at every point of its full 190km distance.
Offering everything from magnificent beaches, tranquil coastal villages and vibrant seaside resorts to wonderful walks, artisan foodie experiences, world-class golf, every water-based activity you can think of and a rich history and heritage, it makes for a truly epic road trip.
The renowned coastal route is also home to the World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, the Old Bushmills Distillery, Carrickfergus and Dunluce castles, The Gobbins clifftop walk, the Glens of Antrim, a host Game of Thrones® filming locations, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge of course, and much more.
www.ireland.com
