Carrick-a-Rede

About

Set along the Causeway Coastal Route, Carrick-a-Rede is one of Northern Ireland’s most loved visitor attractions, cared for by the National Trust. The tiny island, linked to the mainland by its famous rope bridge, sits on the edge of the Atlantic and offers one of the most memorable coastal experiences in the area.

Suspended almost 100ft (30 metres) above the sea, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge stretches across a narrow chasm to a small island once used by salmon fishermen more than 250 years ago. Today, the island is home to a single fisherman’s cottage and sweeping views out across the open ocean, Rathlin Island and the rugged coastline below.

The visitor experience

Crossing the rope bridge is a heart-lifting moment. The Atlantic swells beneath you, seabirds glide past at eye level, and the cliffs fall away to reveal layers of rock shaped by centuries of wind and waves. It is an experience that is both thrilling and grounding, offering a fresh perspective on the raw beauty of the coastline.

Each year, thousands of visitors make the journey to Carrick-a-Rede to stretch their legs along the clifftop paths, take in the coastal scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. On clear days, the views along the Causeway Coastal Route are especially striking.

While the bridge crossing itself takes only a few minutes, most visitors spend around 90 minutes on site. This allows time to enjoy the coastal walk, cross the 20-metre chasm to the island, explore the rocky outcrop and take in the views before heading back for a well-earned break. Many finish their visit with a certificate to mark the crossing and a stop at the tearoom for a coffee and something sweet or savoury, rounding off a memorable coastal experience.