Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
Famous Rope Bridge Adventure
About Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a famous rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede, suspended almost 100 feet (30 meters) above the rocks below.
Originally built by salmon fishermen 350 years ago, the bridge spans 66 feet (20 meters) and sways with the Atlantic winds. The name "Carrick-a-Rede" means "rock in the road" in Irish, referring to the rocky island that sits in the path of migrating salmon.
Today, the bridge is a popular tourist attraction offering spectacular views of the Antrim coast and Scotland on clear days. The crossing requires a head for heights and steady nerves, but the experience and views are unforgettable.
Essential Information
Location
119A Whitepark Rd, Ballintoy, Ballycastle BT54 6LS
Opening Hours
Daily: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
(Seasonal variations apply)
Admission
Adults: £11.50
Children (5-17): £8.00
Under 5: Free
Includes parking
Duration
Allow 1-2 hours including walks
Things to Do
Cross the Bridge
Test your nerves crossing the famous rope bridge suspended 30 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. The crossing offers incredible views.
Coastal Walk
Enjoy the scenic 1.2km clifftop walk from the visitor centre to the bridge, with stunning views of the Causeway Coast.
Island Exploration
Explore Carrickarede Island with its seabird colonies, wildflowers, and spectacular views back to the mainland.
Practical Tips
Getting There
Free parking at visitor centre. Located on the Causeway Coastal Route, 8km from Ballintoy. Regular bus services available.
What to Wear
Sturdy walking shoes essential. Dress warmly as it's windy. Avoid crossing in strong winds or if you have a fear of heights.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Bridge may close in extreme weather conditions.
Photography
Spectacular photo opportunities from the cliffs and bridge. Bring a camera with strap - it's windy! Sunset shots are particularly stunning.
Safety
Bridge has weight and number limits. Children must be supervised. Return not guaranteed once you cross - plan accordingly.
Wildlife
Look out for seabirds including fulmars, razorbills, and guillemots. Dolphins and porpoises are sometimes spotted from the cliffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge scary?
The bridge can be intimidating, especially for those with a fear of heights. It's suspended 30 meters (100 feet) above the rocks and sways with the Atlantic winds. However, it's completely safe and maintained daily. Many visitors find the anticipation worse than the actual crossing. The bridge is only 20 meters long, so the crossing takes less than a minute if you don't stop for photos.
What if I get stuck on the island?
While the National Trust staff do their best to accommodate everyone, return crossing is not guaranteed once you're on the island, especially during busy periods or if weather conditions worsen. If you're nervous, watch others crossing first or consider just walking to the viewpoint without crossing. Staff cannot physically assist you across, so you must be confident you can make it both ways before crossing.
How long is the walk to the bridge?
The walk from the visitor center to the rope bridge is approximately 1.2km (0.75 miles) along a clifftop path and takes about 15-20 minutes each way. The path is mostly paved but includes some steps and moderate inclines. It's a scenic coastal walk with stunning views, so allow extra time for photography. Budget 1-2 hours total for the full experience including the walk and time on the island.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak season (May-September) and weekends. The National Trust operates a timed ticketing system to manage visitor numbers and the site regularly sells out. You can book tickets online through the National Trust website up to 2 weeks in advance. Walk-up tickets may be available on quieter days, but you risk being turned away when at capacity.
Is the bridge suitable for children?
Yes, children can cross the bridge, but they must be supervised at all times. The minimum recommended age is 4-5 years, though this depends on the child's confidence and ability. Children must be able to cross independently as adults cannot carry them across. The clifftop walk and bridge can be exposed to wind, so dress children warmly. Many families successfully visit, but know your child's temperament before paying for tickets.
Can I visit in winter?
Yes, Carrick-a-Rede is open year-round, though with reduced winter hours (typically 9:30am-3:30pm November-February). Winter visits can be magical with fewer crowds and dramatic Atlantic storms, but the bridge may close temporarily during extreme weather conditions. Always check the National Trust website before traveling in winter as closure can happen with little notice due to high winds, ice, or safety concerns.
Is there wheelchair access?
The coastal path to the rope bridge is not fully wheelchair accessible due to steps, gradients, and the nature of the clifftop terrain. However, the first 300 meters of the path from the visitor center is accessible and offers beautiful coastal views. The visitor center has full accessibility including accessible toilets and parking. Unfortunately, the bridge itself is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with significant mobility limitations.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on leads along the coastal path, but are not permitted to cross the rope bridge itself. This is for their safety and the safety of other visitors. You'll need to decide before walking to the bridge whether one person will stay with the dog while others cross. Water bowls are available at the visitor center. Please clean up after your dog and be aware of ground-nesting birds during breeding season (April-July).
What facilities are available?
The visitor center has toilets, a small café serving hot drinks and snacks, and a gift shop. Free parking is included with your ticket. There are no facilities on the island itself, so use the toilets before starting your walk. Lockers are not available, so travel light. The nearest larger facilities are in Ballintoy and Ballycastle.
Can I combine this with other Causeway Coast attractions?
Absolutely! Carrick-a-Rede is located on the Causeway Coastal Route and makes an excellent stop on a day exploring the Antrim Coast. It's 15 minutes from Ballintoy Harbour (Game of Thrones location), 20 minutes from Giant's Causeway, and 25 minutes from the Dark Hedges. Many visitors combine all these attractions in one day trip from Belfast.
Plan Your Visit
Getting There
From Belfast: 1 hour 15 minutes (90km) via A26 and B15. Follow brown tourist signs from Ballymoney.
From Derry: 1 hour (75km) via A37 and Causeway Coastal Route.
By Bus: Translink Goldline 221 (Belfast-Ballycastle) and the seasonal Causeway Rambler 402 serve Carrick-a-Rede. Check timetables as services are limited, especially in winter.
Parking: Free onsite parking included with admission. Car park fills quickly in peak season - arrive before 10am or after 3pm to guarantee a space.
Where to Stay
The nearest towns are Ballintoy (5 minutes), Ballycastle (15 minutes), and Bushmills (20 minutes), all offering a range of accommodation from luxury hotels to budget B&Bs.
Many visitors base themselves in County Antrim coastal towns to explore multiple Causeway Coast attractions over 2-3 days.
For a full Causeway Coast experience, consider staying in Portrush or Portstewart, which offer more dining and entertainment options.
Insider Tips
🌅 Visit early morning (9:30-10:30am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) to avoid peak crowds and get the best photos without people in the background.
🎫 National Trust members get free entry - consider joining if visiting multiple NT sites in Northern Ireland.
🥾 Wear layers - it's always windier than you think! The exposed coastal path and bridge can be 5-10°C cooler than inland.
📱 Don't forget to visit beautiful Ballintoy Harbour (free) just 5 minutes away - a Game of Thrones filming location with stunning scenery.
Photo Credits
Carrick-a-Rede Bridge: By Sheila1988 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0