Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland

A must thing to do when visiting Northern Ireland is to walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim. Crossing the bridge is one of the most thrilling experiences in Northern Ireland. Especially if you cross on a windy day. The bridge is suspended 100 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and connects the mainland to the tiny island Carrick-a-Rede. Crossing the bridge offers visitors a gorgeous panoramic view.

Over 250 years ago, the first bridge to the island was built by salmon fisherman. The rope bridge is much more stable than it was back then. The fisherman first used wooden planks to get to the other side and thankfully, those days are long gone. Looking down at the stirring ocean beneath you is thrilling in itself. I can’t imagine walking across planks with no handrails.

The bridge is only about 20 meters long, but due to crossing at a slow pace makes it appear longer. While crossing, I saw some people quickly go from one side to the other, and noticed some going at a slow pace. I enjoyed going slow so I could take in the beautiful scenery.

After crossing the bridge, visitors take in an amazing site. It makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into an Irish movie. On a clear day, which I hear can be scarce, visitors can see as far as Scotland. Standing on Carrick-a-Rede offers a quiet moment to witness Northern Ireland’s beauty.

Even if you don’t cross the bridge, the short hike to get there is worth taking. Visitors walk along the Causeway Costal Route, which offers views of towering cliffs, rolling green fields, and ancient stone walls. I didn’t see any, but I heard during nesting season, puffins can be spotted. Many of the photos seen here are from the walk to the bridge.

If you are thinking about going, book tickets in advance. Tickets are timed so as not to be overcrowded. It is busiest June through August. I recommend wearing hiking shoes, because the bridge is a little slippery when wet and the hike to get there might be slippery as well. After crossing the bridge, head to the visitor center, where for a small donation, you can receive a certificate for crossing the bridge.