Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland
County Antrim Attraction Draws Thrill Seekers
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is a rope suspension bridge that links the mainland to the tiny Carrick island near Ballintoy in County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Crossing the bridge, which is literally made of rope and slats of wood, is a literally moving experience.
The History of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede means “rock in the road.” The purpose of the rope bridge has been for fishing. Salmon fishermen would cast their nets over the sides of the bridge and haul them back up with their catches of the day. Today (since there is reportedly few salmon left), the bridge is mainly a tourist attraction, owned and maintained by the National Trust.
The bridge has undergone several makeovers over the years, according to wikipedia.org. In the 1970s, it looked more precarious to cross, featuring a handrail and large gaps between the slats. In 2000, climbers and abseilers helped build a new version of the bridge, the design of which was engineered in 2004.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Stats
Heyn Construction built the bridge that hangs there today in Belfast, constructing it out of wire rope and Douglas fir, Culture Northern Ireland reports. It was erected in early 2008.
The bridge stretches 20 metres across the gap between the island and mainland, and hangs 30 metres above the pounding surf below. It can handle eight people at a time, and is open weather permitting.
Visiting the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Adults can cross the bridge for four pounds and children for two pounds each. Tickets can be purchased on site.
Drivers can park their vehicles in a nearby parking lot, and then set off for the bridge on foot, along a coastal walk that offers spectacular coastal scenery. On the left is the sea, with Rathlin Island in the distance and limestone cliffs, and on the right are hills, upon which cows graze.
It’s about a 20-25-minute walk to the bridge from the parking lot, and some areas involve walking uphill. Thus dressing for the outdoors (it can get windy) and wearing comfortable shoes to walk in is recommended.
Bird watchers will be delighted with the ample bird-watching opportunities in the area, and both amateur and professional botanists can appreciate the surrounding flora.
Attractions Near the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Another benefit to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is its proximity to other attractions along the coast. The Giant’s Causeway, with its hexagonal basalt columns, and the ancient Dunluce Castle, which looks ready to crumble off the cliff and into the sea below, are both a short drive away.
Once used for fishermen’s work, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge now appeals to visitors seeking the thrill of relying on rope and slats to cross from the mainland to an island.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
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The Coastline on the Way to the Rope Bridge.
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