I still remember the first time I stepped onto the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge with my friends—my heart was racing, and my hands instinctively gripped the ropes tighter. Suspended high above the crashing waves of the Atlantic, the bridge swayed slightly beneath our feet, adding both excitement and a tiny dose of fear to the adventure. It was one of those experiences that had us laughing nervously at first but then fully embracing the thrill of the moment.
As we made our way across, the panoramic views of the rugged Antrim coastline were absolutely breathtaking. The turquoise waters, the cliffs stretching into the distance, and the sheer exhilaration of crossing made it an unforgettable journey.
Reaching the tiny island at the other end felt like a victory—we did it! And of course, we took a moment to soak in the stunning scenery before making the equally thrilling walk back.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Useful Info
Location
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the small village of Ballintoy.
It’s about a 15-minute drive from Giant’s Causeway and a 1.5-hour drive from Belfast, making it a perfect stop on a Northern Ireland road trip.
I’ve included the Google Maps location below for easy navigation.
Parking
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge has a dedicated parking area managed by the National Trust, located near the entrance to the site.
If you’ve purchased a ticket to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, parking is already covered in your ticket price. However, if you’re only visiting the area without crossing the bridge, there is a £10 parking fee per car.
Opening Hours
- Coastline Access: Open from dawn until dusk.
- Car Park: Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Rope Bridge Crossings: Available from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
The opening hours can change in the future and I recommend you check this website for accurate timings.
Ticket Prices
As of January 2025, the ticket prices for crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge are as follows:
Off-Peak Times:
- Adults (18+): £14.00
- Children (5-17 years; under 5s free): £7.00
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £35.00
- 1 Adult Family (1 adult and up to 3 children): £21.00
Peak Times:
- Adults (18+): £16.00
- Children (5-17 years; under 5s free): £8.00
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £40.00
- 1 Adult Family (1 adult and up to 3 children): £24.00
The prices can change in the future and I recommend you check this website for accurate prices.
Need-to-Knows about Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Booking Your Tickets: Advance booking is essential, especially during peak seasons.
- What to Wear & Bring: Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a rain jacket.
- Safety Tips: Don’t rush or overcrowd, as there’s a queue and only one person per section is recommended. Beware that the bridge sways! If you’re afraid of heights, take it slow and focus on each step.
- How to Get There: Using car is recommended. The site is about 1.5 hours from Belfast and 3 hours from Dublin by car. Many guided tours include Carrick-a-Rede along with Giant’s Causeway and other stops.
The story behind the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge has a history stretching back over 250 years, originally built by local salmon fishermen in 1755. They needed a way to reach Carrick-a-Rede Island, where they set up seasonal fishing stations.
Back then, the bridge was a simple, risky structure, made with just wooden planks and ropes. Fishermen crossed it with their catch, braving strong winds and the crashing waves below. The waters around the island were once rich with salmon, making it an important fishing spot.
Over time, salmon numbers declined, and traditional fishing faded from the area. The bridge, however, remained—though it has been rebuilt several times to improve safety.
Tours
This full-day tour from Belfast includes visits to Giant’s Causeway, The Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint.
This private 7-hour tour from Belfast takes you along the scenic Causeway Coast to visit the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant’s Causeway
Places to Visit Nearby
- Ballintoy Harbour – 2 km (5-minute drive)
- The Dark Hedges – 14 km (15-minute drive)
- Giant’s Causeway – 15 km (20-minute drive)
- Dunluce Castle – 20 km (25-minute drive)
- Bushmills Distillery – 17 km (20-minute drive)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to walk the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?
Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge itself takes about 2-3 minutes, depending on your pace and confidence. However, you may spend more time enjoying the views from the island before returning.
Do you have to pay to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?
Yes, you must purchase a ticket to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The ticket price includes access to the bridge, the coastal walk, and parking. National Trust members can cross for free, but pre-booking is still required.
Has anyone ever fallen off Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?
No, there are no recorded incidents of anyone falling off the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The bridge is well-maintained, monitored by staff, and built with strong safety measures to ensure a secure crossing.
How high up is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge?
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge hangs 30 meters (100 feet) above the sea, connecting the mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island.
Conclusion
Visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is an unforgettable adventure, offering stunning coastal views and a thrilling crossing experience.
Hope you enjoyed reading this guide. If you have any more questions, please comment below and also share your experience with me if you’ve visited here. Have fun and be safe!
