Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Many visitors come to the bridge on guided tours from Dublin and Belfast. Because of the bridge’s proximity to Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a 20-minute drive away, full-day tours often combine the two attractions, as well as other prominent Northern Ireland sights, such as Game of Thrones filming locations and the state-of-the-art Titanic Belfast, set on the site of the former Harland and Wolff shipyard where the ill-fated cruise liner was built. Individual visitors must purchase a ticket for the bridge at the site on the day of, and will receive a time slot for crossing.

• It may be best to arrive early in the morning, as tickets often sell out during peak periods.

• Wear sturdy walking shoes for the 20-minute walk from the parking lot to the bridge—some of the stone steps along this path can be slippery when wet.

• The bridge is not suitable for the mobility impaired.

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is situated in County Antrim, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) north of Belfast city. The easiest way to travel is by guided tour. Visitors can also take Ulsterbus 252 or Ulsterbus 376 (also known as the Causeway Rambler) during the summer season.

The bridge opens daily in the morning, and closing time varies by season—later in the summer, and as early as mid-afternoon in the winter. Ticket sales stop 45 minutes before closing. Book a guided tour or arrive first thing in the morning to secure your shot at crossing the bridge. Only a certain number of people are allowed on the bridge at any time, and timed tickets help keep lines manageable and moving. Avoid windy days when the bridge may be closed for safety reasons.

With so much attention placed on the bridge itself, many travelers give little thought to the island to which it connects. Though tiny, the grassy islet is worth exploring. Look for the traditional fisherman’s cottage, open to visitors on select weekends of the year, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes patrol the coastline, while basking sharks, dolphins, and porpoises frolic in the surrounding waters.

Most visitors find that 1.5 hours is enough time to visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. You'll have ample time to cross the bridge, visit the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede, walk the coastal route, take photos of the bridge and coastal scenery, and use the nearby facilities.

Yes, you must pay to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, unless you’re a member of the National Trust or under the age of 5. Tickets for adults to walk across the bridge are £15 in peak season. Those with children can save money by purchasing a family ticket.

Visitors who are afraid of heights may find the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge scary to cross. The bridge hangs almost 100 feet (30 meters) over the rocks and water between the coast, and the little island of Carrick-a-Rede and is exposed to the elements, including strong coastal winds.

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is the most famous rope bridge in Northern Island. It's located near the Giant’s Causeway and Kinbane Castle on the north coast of County Antrim. It is outside the small town of Ballycastle off route B15, and it connects the island of Carrick-a-Rede to the mainland.

Yes, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is safe to walk on. The current rope bridge is a modern replacement from 2008. It was designed to be far safer than older versions, such as the bridge from the 1970s that had large gaps between slats or the original bridge from 1755.

You'll pay to use the main parking lot at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, but there is a place you can park for free nearby. There is a small parking lot along the B15 between Glenstaughey Road and the last corner before the turn for the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Car Park.