We all know those friends who just can’t sit still, right? They’re always looking for the next adventure, seeking excitement, challenge, and a bit of risk during their travels. For these thrill-seekers, the rope bridge is the ultimate destination. Crossing a 100-foot high bridge over the ocean, especially when the wind makes it sway, can be quite a challenging task.
Hey, everyone! Today, I’m going to cover everything you need to know about the Rope Bridge, from ticket prices to nearby attractions. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Where is the Rope Bridge?
The Rope Bridge is located in Northern Ireland, just a stone’s throw away from Ballintoy Harbour. Getting there is a breeze – it’s only a quick 10-minute drive from Ballycastle or a short 20-minute drive from the Giant’s Causeway.
In the summer months, it’s wise to allow extra time due to the high number of tourists. After all, the Giant’s Causeway and the Rope Bridge are Northern Ireland’s two most popular attractions.
There are plenty of tour buses traveling along this route as well. You can easily join a day tour from Dublin or Belfast, or opt for public transport. The most convenient way to travel from Dublin to the Rope Bridge is by train, taking approximately 5 hours and 48 minutes and costing between €40 to €65. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes nearly the same amount of time.
Renting a car is also an option. If you choose this route, keep in mind that the country roads in Ireland are quite narrow and winding compared to those in the US. Additionally, people drive on the opposite side of the road here. So, if you’re not a very experienced driver, it might be better to reconsider.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Rope Bridge?
The best time to visit the Rope Bridge is from May to September, during spring or summer, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. During these months, the bridge is open longer, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, allowing for more enjoyment. However, it can get quite crowded with tourists in the summer, so it’s advisable to plan your visit on weekdays or in the morning to avoid the crowds.
I chose to visit in May because it’s typically less rainy and windy. However, it’s worth noting that the Rope Bridge closes immediately if the wind is too strong. Therefore, it’s crucial to select the right season to avoid any unexpected closures that could disrupt your plans.
Is There a Fee for the Rope Bridge?
It’s not totally free, but it’s not super expensive either. Normally, adults pay £13.50, kids pay £6.75, and families pay £33.75. But the prices change depending on the time of year. During busy times, like peak season, the prices are:
Adult: £15.50
Child: £7.75
Family: £38.75
But here’s the thing: you only pay if you want to cross the bridge. So, you can walk for free from the car park to the bridge, which takes about 20 minutes and is about 1km.
When you get there, you’ll see a wooden hut. Some people think you have to pay to go past it, but you don’t. If you don’t want to cross the bridge, just keep walking past the hut.
I noticed many people doing this because they were scared of heights. They paid £10 to park their cars and then enjoyed the beauty of the rope bridge. But even the short walk to the bridge is really pretty. Along the way, you can see Larrybane Quarry, Sheep Island, and on clear days, maybe even Scotland!
Locals say to plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit. If it’s not too busy, you might finish quicker. But in summer, when it’s crowded, it could take longer.
I stayed for about 2 hours, taking my time to enjoy everything, and I suggest you do the same. Just relax and enjoy your time there!
Is Rope Bridge Safe?
Just like everyone else, I was super excited to walk across the bridge. Near the parking lot, there was a small shop selling drinks and snacks, but I was too excited to stop there.
I reached the bridge in about 15 minutes and saw a line of people waiting, which is pretty common. Yeah, this bridge is always crowded! Luckily, I only had to wait for about 15 minutes in line, and there was plenty to see while waiting.
But what really got my attention was how high the bridge was. It was my first time seeing it in person, and all I could see were wires hanging 100 feet in the air! If I fell from that height, it would be really bad. This bridge is about 60 feet long and connects Northern Ireland’s mainland to a small fishing island called Carrick-a-Rede.
As time went on, I started to feel nervous. I saw some people changing their minds and leaving, but I didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity when I was so close!
I started to feel better after a while. The security measures in place helped calm my nerves. As I got closer to the bridge, I saw staff members on both sides keeping track of how many people were allowed on it at once. The wooden planks on the bridge were close together, with only a small gap between them. And the staff members said that crossing wouldn’t take too long, only about 20 to 30 seconds.
While waiting eagerly for my turn, I learned some important things during the 15-minute wait:
If you plan to visit several National Trust sites like Giant’s Causeway, Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple, and Castle Ward, it might be cheaper to get an annual membership.
If the wind picks up or it becomes too risky, they close the bridge immediately for safety. But don’t worry, the café stays open so you can wait there until the weather improves. They’ll check the weather again and reopen the bridge once it’s safe.
One great thing is that you can actually stay there! Carrick-a-Rede Cottage is a perfect spot to stay and explore the area. You can enjoy stargazing at night and easily visit the rope bridge, the bustling village of Ballintoy with its local shops, pubs, and restaurants, and even access the nearby beach in the morning.Lastly, the history.
- Lastly, the history.
What's the purpose of having this bridge?
All the arrangements at Carrick-a-Rede had a purpose: for many generations, fishermen relied on it as the best spot for catching salmon. The name “Carrick-a-Rede” comes from Scottish Gaelic, meaning “The Rock in the Road.” They saw the island as a barrier for the migrating salmon.
Interestingly, people have been fishing for salmon at Carrick-a-Rede and Larrybane since 1620, and that’s where our story begins. Salmon fishing used to be a major activity along the Causeway Coast, so much so that a castle was built on the River Bann in Coleraine just to manage all the fishing.
Even King James I & VI tried to attract Protestant traders from London to move to Northern Ireland in the early 1600s by offering them salmon fishing rights. Along the Causeway Coast, you’ll find small cottages where people used to fish for salmon. Sometimes, these cottages are on small islands or cliffs, like Carrick A Rede and Kinbane Head.
Story of Salmon
In stories about Finn McCool, a legendary figure, there’s a special salmon that gave him incredible wisdom when he accidentally took a bite of it. You can find a sculpture of this special salmon, also known as the Big Fish, in Belfast. They made this sculpture in the 1970s to celebrate the return of salmon to the River Lagan. Pretty cool, huh?
For over 350 years, salmon fishermen have been building bridges to the island. These bridges have changed a lot over time. In the 1970s, the bridge had only one handrail and a few wooden planks with gaps in between. Yet, you can even find a famous picture of a brave man sitting on this risky bridge calmly! Visit this link.
Fast forward to today, the bridge is much safer. Though it still moves a bit, there are two handrails to hold onto, a sturdy boardwalk in the middle, and nets on the sides to prevent slipping through. So, no need to worry about falling.
This change happened in 2008 when a construction company from Belfast installed the current wire rope bridge. It’s strong and steady for everyone who crosses it today.
As for the fishing? Well, in 2002, things changed for the island’s fishermen. The fish started migrating elsewhere. Pollution and excessive fishing at sea also contributed to the decline in the salmon population. So, in 2002, after centuries of fishing, it all came to an end, and the last fish was caught. Alex Colgan, a fisherman from Ballintoy, was the very last person to fish at Carrick-a-Rede. Now, all that remains of their fishing legacy is a solitary, whitewashed cottage sitting on Carrick.
What is on the other side of the rope bridge?
If you’re feeling adventurous enough to walk across the shaky 100-foot high bridge, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the green water flowing below. It’s a popular spot for taking selfies and capturing unforgettable moments, offering an experience that feels almost like seeing it all from a bird’s perspective.
Once I reached the other side, I was greeted with stunning views of Rathlin Island and even Scotland in the distance. It was also conveniently close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway. The sky was filled with seabirds, a common sight in the area.
Aside from spotting seabirds, you might also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of basking sharks, dolphins, and porpoises from the rope bridge. Keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating creatures while exploring the area around the bridge.
Since crossing the bridge is the main attraction, many visitors bring along a picnic to fully enjoy their visit. It’s a great way to relax, sit back, and soak in the breathtaking scenery for a while. I thought it was a fantastic idea and plan to try it out next time.
One unique aspect not to be missed is the opportunity for stargazing. Carrick-a-Rede is an exceptional spot where you can witness incredibly dark skies at night. It’s one of only two sites in Northern Ireland granted ‘Dark Sky Discovery’ status, the other being Oxford Island by Lough Neagh. Looking up at the stars from Carrick-a-Rede feels like stepping into a magical world filled with twinkling lights against the dark sky. However, to experience this, you’ll need to stay until nightfall.
If staying overnight isn’t an option, consider spending a couple of hours taking in the scenery before heading back across the bridge. The only way back is across the bridge itself.
Upon returning to the starting point, you can climb the steps and take a different path that offers a new perspective of the bridge from atop the hill. Eventually, you’ll rejoin the main path leading back to the car park.
As I made my way back from the rope bridge, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of happiness and contentment. The incredible views and the thrill of crossing the bridge left a lasting impression on me. Though I was a bit sad to leave early, I was grateful for the wonderful memories I had created and the exciting experience I had enjoyed.
What is on the other side of the rope bridge?
Book Your Ticket: They now have a timed ticketing system, so it’s best to book online in advance on their website. Remember to allocate an extra 15 to 20 minutes for walking from the car park to the bridge.
Parking: If you’re paying to cross the bridge, parking is included in your ticket price. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay £10 for parking.
Annual Membership: Consider purchasing an annual membership card if you plan to visit several National Trust sites in the area, like the Giant’s Causeway, Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple, and Castle Ward. It might work out to be more cost-effective.
Nearby Attractions: Carrick-a-Rede is close to lots of cool stuff to do in Antrim. You can visit Whitepark Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Ireland, just an 8-minute drive away. After a stroll on the sand, you can head to Dunseverick Castle, only a 5-minute drive away. Don’t miss the ruins of Kinbane Castle, even though they’re a bit hard to get to – the coastal views are amazing! Plus, there are tons of other spots nearby to explore:
- Ballintoy Harbour (7-minute drive)
- Ballycastle Beach (6-minute drive)
- Giants Causeway (20-minute drive)
- Dunluce Castle (21-minute drive)
- Old Bushmills Distillery (18-minute drive)
- Dark Hedges (19-minute drive)
- Wear the right clothes: Because the Rope Bridge is outside, wear clothes that match the weather. In winter, wear warm and maybe waterproof clothes. Even in summer, it can be very windy, so be ready.
- Bring your camera, but be quick! Taking pictures can be hard. Even if you try to take a quick picture while walking (and I mean quick!), the staff might tell you to keep moving. So, get ready for that!
Yep, That is all about the rope bridge. If you’re traveling the Causeway Coastal Route, be sure to visit the rope bridge. It’s a lot safer now and one of the most beautiful places on the entire island of Ireland.
