National Trust Unveils Plans to Improve Safety And Access At Carrick-a-Rede Island

The National Trust has submitted plans to upgrade visitor access and safety features at Carrick-a-Rede Island, one of Northern Ireland’s most visited coastal attractions.

The proposals include the installation of natural stone steps, three new viewing areas, and a rest bench approximately 300 metres north of 109 Whitepark Road, Ballintoy.

According to a design and access statement prepared by Mullin Landscape Architecture, the works form part of a wider project to manage erosion and improve safety for the nearly half a million visitors who cross the rope bridge each year. The plans address long-standing issues with uneven, eroded paths on both the island and the adjacent mainland approach.

Under the proposals, the existing galvanised metal posts and natural rope handrail will be replaced with new metal posts, stainless steel mesh, and natural rope to create a more durable and secure barrier. The new handrail design, standing 1.1 metres high, would be constructed from brushed stainless steel, galvanised, or Corten metal—chosen for their suitability in the exposed coastal environment.

South of the rope bridge, the National Trust intends to replace an existing flight of wooden steps with natural stone and to upgrade a nearby viewing area. A basalt stone bench with a timber seat is also proposed near the bridge entrance, offering visitors a place to rest and take in the views.

The National Trust’s statement emphasises that the design aims to blend with the rugged landscape while improving safety and accessibility. The proposed materials were selected to complement the natural setting and withstand the harsh maritime conditions typical of the Causeway Coast.

If approved, the upgrades would enhance the visitor experience while protecting the sensitive terrain of Carrick-a-Rede, which continues to face pressures from high footfall and coastal weathering.