We all have those friends who can’t seem to sit still, right? Always on the go, chasing their next adventure. For them, simply sightseeing isn’t enough—they’re after thrills, challenges, and a bit of risk. And for those adventure seekers, the Rope Bridge is the ultimate thrill. Imagine crossing a bridge suspended 100 feet above the ocean, swaying in the wind—that’s no easy feat!

Hello everyone! Today, I’m going to give you the full rundown on the Rope Bridge, from ticket prices to nearby attractions. Let’s get started!

Location

The Rope Bridge is located in Northern Ireland, just a short distance from Ballintoy Harbour. It’s easily accessible—a 10-minute drive from Ballycastle or about 20 minutes from the Giant’s Causeway.

During the summer, expect some delays due to the high volume of tourists. After all, the Giant’s Causeway and the Rope Bridge are two of Northern Ireland’s top attractions. Tour buses frequently travel this route, and it’s easy to join a day tour from Dublin or Belfast.

If you prefer public transport, the best option from Dublin is the train, which takes around 5 hours and 48 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from €40 to €65. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes roughly the same amount of time.

Renting a car is another option, but be aware that the roads in Ireland are narrower and more winding than those in the US. Plus, driving is on the left-hand side. If you’re not confident behind the wheel, it might be best to stick with a day tour or public transport.

Best Time to Visit the Rope Bridge

The ideal time to visit the Rope Bridge is between spring and summer, from May to September, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. During this period, the bridge stays open longer, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, giving you more time to enjoy your visit. However, summer can get crowded, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip for a weekday or early in the morning to avoid large crowds.

I visited in May because it’s generally less rainy and windy. Keep in mind that the bridge can close unexpectedly if the wind becomes too strong, so choosing the right season is crucial to avoid any last-minute disappointments.

Is the Rope Bridge Free?

No, the Rope Bridge isn’t free, but it’s reasonably priced. Typically, tickets cost £13.50 for adults, £6.75 for children, and £33.75 for families. Prices do vary by season, and during peak times, they go up slightly. Here are the peak season prices:

• Adult: £15.50
• Child: £7.75
• Family: £38.75

But here’s an interesting detail: you only need to pay if you plan to actually cross the bridge. The walk from the car park to the bridge is free, and it’s a pleasant 1km stroll that takes around 20 minutes.

When you arrive, you’ll see a wooden hut near the car park. It might look like you need to pay to go beyond that point, but if you’re not crossing the bridge, just walk right past it and continue. Many people, especially those with a fear of heights, take advantage of this and enjoy the scenic walk without crossing the bridge.

Parking costs £10 per car, and the surrounding beauty alone is worth the trip. You can take in stunning views of Larrybane Quarry, Sheep Island, and, on a clear day, even Scotland.

Locals recommend planning for 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit. It might take less time if it’s quiet, but during peak summer, expect a longer wait. I stayed for about 2 hours, soaking in the views, and I suggest you do the same. Take your time and enjoy the experience!

How Safe Is the Rope Bridge?

Let me walk you through my personal experience—it should give you a good idea of how safe the Rope Bridge is.

Like most visitors, I was excited to cross the bridge. As I made my way from the parking lot, I passed a small shop selling snacks and drinks, with some tables outside. But I was too eager to get to the bridge, so I didn’t stop. The walk to the bridge took about 15 minutes, and when I arrived, there was already a line of people waiting. You’ll likely find the same, especially since the bridge tends to attract crowds. Thankfully, I only had to wait for about 15 minutes, and the beautiful surroundings made the time pass quickly.

As I approached the bridge, the height really hit me—100 feet above the ocean! Seeing it for the first time was nerve-wracking. The bridge spans 60 feet, connecting Northern Ireland’s mainland to the small island of Carrick-a-Rede. Standing there, the idea of crossing seemed daunting, especially when I realized how high and exposed the bridge is. Some people ahead of me even turned back!

But I quickly noticed the safety measures in place, which calmed my nerves. The bridge is well-secured, with staff members monitoring both ends to ensure a safe number of people cross at one time. The planks were close together, with only small gaps between them, and the staff assured us the crossing would take just 20–30 seconds.

As I waited, I picked up some helpful information:

• If you’re planning to visit multiple National Trust sites like Giant’s Causeway or Castle Ward, it might be worth getting an annual membership for better value.
• The bridge closes immediately if the wind is too strong, but the nearby café remains open, giving you a place to relax until the weather improves. Once conditions are safe, the bridge reopens.
• You can even stay overnight! Carrick-a-Rede Cottage is a perfect spot to base yourself. At night, you can stargaze, and in the morning, you’ll have easy access to the bridge and the charming nearby village of Ballintoy, with its shops, pubs, and restaurants.

Finally, the history behind the bridge adds to the experience. It was originally built to help fishermen reach the island, which was once a prime spot for salmon fishing. Over time, the bridge has evolved into the much safer version we have today.

So, is the Rope Bridge safe? Absolutely. Though the height may be intimidating, the safety measures and staff support make it a secure and enjoyable adventure.

What Is the Purpose of the Rope Bridge?

The Rope Bridge was created for a very practical reason: for generations, fishermen depended on Carrick-a-Rede as one of the prime locations for catching salmon. The name “Carrick-a-Rede” is derived from the Scottish Gaelic term ‘Carraig-a-Rade,’ meaning “The Rock in the Road.” Fishermen viewed this island as an obstacle for the migrating salmon, making it a strategic spot for fishing.

Salmon fishing has a rich history at Carrick-a-Rede and Larrybane, dating back to 1620. This area was once bustling with fishing activity along the Causeway Coast, where fishermen relied on the bridge to access the island and its abundant salmon stocks. In fact, the significance of salmon fishing in the region led to the construction of a castle on the River Bann in Coleraine to help manage the fishing trade.

In the early 1600s, King James I & VI sought to attract Protestant traders from London to Northern Ireland by granting them rights to salmon fishing. Today, you can still find remnants of this fishing heritage in the form of small cottages scattered along the Causeway Coast, some perched on tiny islands or cliffs, such as those at Carrick-a-Rede and Kinbane Head.

While the bridge is now a popular tourist attraction, it originally served as a vital link for fishermen, showcasing the region’s rich maritime history and the importance of salmon fishing to its local economy.

About Salmon

In the legendary tales of Finn McCool, there’s a remarkable salmon that bestowed incredible knowledge upon him when he accidentally took a bite. This mythical fish, known as the Big Fish, is commemorated with a sculpture in Belfast, created in the 1970s to celebrate the resurgence of salmon in the River Lagan. Isn’t that intriguing?

For over 350 years, fishermen have constructed bridges to reach Carrick-a-Rede island, and these bridges have undergone significant changes over the years. Back in the 1970s, the bridge featured only a single handrail and a few wooden planks with gaps in between. Interestingly, you can even find a famous photograph of a daring individual calmly sitting on this precarious structure!

Fast-forward to today, and the bridge has been made much safer. Although it may sway slightly as you cross, it now boasts two sturdy handrails, a solid boardwalk in the middle, and protective nets along the sides to prevent anyone from slipping through. So, there’s no need to worry about falling!

These improvements were made in 2008, when a construction company from Belfast installed the current wire rope bridge, which is both strong and stable for all who cross it today.

As for the fishing, the situation took a turn in 2002. The fish began migrating to different areas, and factors like pollution and overfishing at sea contributed to the decline in salmon populations. Consequently, after centuries of fishing, the last salmon was caught that year. Alex Colgan, a fisherman from Ballintoy, was the final person to fish at Carrick-a-Rede. Today, all that remains of this fishing legacy is a solitary, whitewashed cottage on the island, quietly bearing witness to a once-thriving industry.

Other Side of the Rope Bridge

If you’re daring enough to cross the rickety bridge suspended 100 feet above the ground, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the emerald waters below. It’s a prime spot for selfies and capturing memorable moments, offering an experience akin to soaring like a bird.

Upon reaching the other side, I was captivated by the stunning vistas of Rathlin Island and, on a clear day, even Scotland. The area is also in close proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway. Above, seabirds soared through the sky, which is a common and delightful sight.

In addition to seabirds, keep an eye out for basking sharks, dolphins, and porpoises while exploring the area around the rope bridge. It’s exciting to spot these fascinating creatures!

Crossing the bridge is undoubtedly the highlight of the visit, and many people took the opportunity to enjoy a picnic, allowing them to unwind and soak in the beautiful surroundings. I found this idea quite appealing and might try it myself on my next visit.

Another unique experience not to be missed is stargazing. Carrick-a-Rede boasts incredibly dark skies at night, earning it the ‘Dark Sky Discovery’ status—one of only two such locations in Northern Ireland, the other being Oxford Island by Lough Neagh. Gazing up at the stars from Carrick-a-Rede feels like stepping into a magical realm of twinkling lights, but for that experience, an overnight stay is necessary.

If staying overnight isn’t possible, I recommend spending a few hours enjoying the scenery before making your way back across the bridge. Remember, the only way back is the same route you came!

Once back on the mainland, you can ascend the steps and follow a different path that winds over the hill. This route provides a fresh perspective of the bridge before returning to the main path leading to the car park.

As I journeyed back from the rope bridge, I felt a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment. The stunning views and the thrill of crossing the bridge lingered in my mind. Although I felt a twinge of sadness to leave, I was grateful for the unforgettable memories and the exhilarating experiences I had.

What Do You Need to Do Before Visiting?

1. Book Your Ticket: A timed ticketing system is now in place, so it’s essential to book your tickets online in advance through their website. Don’t forget to factor in an additional 15-20 minutes to walk from the car park to the bridge itself.
2. Parking Fees: You’ll need to pay for parking. If your ticket includes a bridge crossing, parking is covered. If not, the parking fee is £10.
3. Consider an Annual Membership: If you plan to visit several National Trust sites—like the Giant’s Causeway, Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple, or Castle Ward—an annual membership may be a more economical option.
4. Explore Nearby Attractions: The Rope Bridge is conveniently located near many exciting destinations in Antrim. After your visit, consider checking out Whitepark Bay (just an 8-minute drive away), one of Northern Ireland’s most stunning beaches. You can also explore Dunseverick Castle, only a 5-minute drive away. Don’t miss the ruins of Kinbane Castle, which offer breathtaking coastal views, though they may be a bit challenging to reach. Here are some other nearby attractions to consider:
   • Ballintoy Harbour (7-minute drive)
   • Ballycastle Beach (6-minute drive)
   • Giant’s Causeway (20-minute drive)
   • Dunluce Castle (21-minute drive)
   • Old Bushmills Distillery (18-minute drive)
   • Dark Hedges (19-minute drive)
5. Dress Appropriately: The Rope Bridge is exposed to the elements, so be sure to dress for the weather. In winter, opt for warm and waterproof clothing. Even during summer, it can get quite windy, so come prepared.
6. Bring Your Camera, But Be Quick! Capturing photos can be challenging as staff may encourage you to keep moving. If you want to snap a picture, be ready to do it quickly!

That’s everything you need to know about visiting the Rope Bridge. If you’re exploring the Causeway Coastal Route, make sure to stop at this stunning location. It’s much safer now and one of the most beautiful spots on the entire island of Ireland!