Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge

Are you brave enough to cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge? It’s certainly not for the faint of heart. Spanning a 20-metre chasm between the mainland and rocky Carrick-a-Rede Island, the bridge leads to an island that's home to a 400-year-old fisherman’s cottage. Local salmon fishermen first built a bridge in 1755 to reach prime fishing grounds, and today’s rope bridge is one of the most exhilarating experiences on the island of Ireland. Feel the wind in your hair, salty sea spray on your face and enjoy sublime views of rugged cliffs and vividly green grasslands. Just take it one step at a time...

To get the best rates, it’s recommended to pre-book your tickets for the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Online sales close one hour before each time entry slot, so booking in advance is strongly advised. Once you arrive at Carrick-a-Rede, walk the 1.2km down to the bridge itself and take in its spectacular setting. While the bridge itself takes just a few minutes to cross, it’s worth allowing plenty of time to enjoy the views and explore the surrounding area.

One of the highlights of a visit is the Coastal Walk, a 2km route with staggeringly beautiful views of the north coast. Keep an eye on the sea, where you might just be lucky enough to spot basking sharks, dolphins and porpoises. The cliffs here are also home to an abundance of birdlife including guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.

Stop into the cosy Weighbridge Tearoom on your return for homemade treats and a warming hot drink. It’s also the perfect place to pick up some Carrick-a-Rede souvenirs, including paintings and books about the area. If you fancy staying longer, why not consider a local rental such as the Carrick-a-Rede Cottage. This charming fisherman’s cottage is nestled on the hillside near the rope bridge and offers gorgeous sea views.

Walking the bridge is an unmissable experience, but for an alternative perspective, join the Carrick-a-Rede Sea Safari with Abhàinn Cruises, which departs from the nearby seaside town of Ballycastle. Although you won’t cross the bridge on the tour, you’ll get to admire it from the water, as well as enjoying other coastal scenery and landmarks such as Mermaid’s Tears Waterfall and Kinbane Castle.

As Carrick-a-Rede is just a short distance from the Giant’s Causeway, it’s easy to visit both in a single trip. Several day trips from Belfast include both attractions, giving you the chance to enjoy Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks in one day.

Discover the Causeway Coast's iconic attractions

The Weighbridge Tearoom is a great option at the rope bridge itself, and offers a cosy spot for a treat or a light lunch. But there are lots of other places to eat and drink just a short distance away. The Carrick-a-Rede Bar and restaurant is a popular option for everything from hearty stews to freshly caught local fish. At the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, Galway Bay mussels are a speciality, paired with your own choice of sauce ranging from Northbound IPA to Bushmills whiskey cream. And at Ballycastle, just a 10-minute drive away, there are two great options for slow-food fans – Ursa Minor Bakehouse Café and the Broughgammon Farm Café, open from Friday to Sunday.

Discover the flavours of Northern Ireland

The rugged ruins of both Kinbane and Dunseverick castles are nearby on the coast, as is idyllic Ballintoy Harbour. Two star attractions – the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle – are just a little further along the Causeway Coastal Route. A great place to relax and refuel is the Bushmills Inn, a former 17th-century coaching inn turned luxury boutique hotel. Don’t miss the Old Bushmills Distillery close by, it’s the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world and the tour is a must for whiskey-lovers. For an island adventure, catch the ferry in Ballycastle to Rathlin Island, where cute puffins, an upside-down lighthouse and views of Scotland (on a fine day) await.

From swinging rope bridges to dramatic cliff-edge castles, it’s time to savour the beauty of the Causeway Coast. Start planning today.