Carrick-a-Rede Bridge

This is one of the most famous bridges in Northern Ireland: the Carrick-a-Rede bridge! Behind this name a little complicated for non-English speakers, hides a sublime rope bridge which connects the island of Carrick to the rest of Northern Ireland. As beautiful as it is impressive, this bridge overlooks the ocean as well as the steep approaches to the island it connects. A real attraction in the region, the site attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year who are not afraid of heights or thrills… A site to do absolutely if you feel like an adventurer!

History of Carrick-a-Rede Bridge

A bridge more than 350 years old

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge was once used as a crossing for wild salmon fishermen. They discovered that Carrick Island was an important fishing spot during the salmon migration period. To increase their chances of making a catch, they would pass from Ireland to this small island via this rope bridge, erected more than 30 metres high above the water (you had to have a good heart: the installations of the time are not those of today!).

Year after year, the bridge eventually deteriorated, making the passage more and more dangerous for the Irish.

Nevertheless, the beauty of this passage, with its breathtaking views, and the wild landscapes have ended up attracting a growing public. With the expansion of tourism, the bridge was finally renovated and is now highly secure to allow the safe passage of visitors to Carrick Island.

Visit the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge

A bridge reserved for thrill seekers!

Do you want to cross from Northern Ireland to Carrick Island on an unstable and dizzying bridge… but safely? The adventure is as impressive as it is fantastic: you must absolutely live this unique experience at least once in your life!

If you wish to try the adventure, you should know that Carrick-a-rede is accessible every year from March to the end of September. We nevertheless advise you to go there in good weather (or at least in clear weather, with little wind). This will allow you to discover the site in an optimal way!

The bridge is 20 meters long, and overhangs the sea from a height of 30 meters. Completely secured, the bridge overlooks a magnificent landscape, made of raging water, as well as imposing rocks and reefs. Down below, the agitation of the waves brings an extra dose of adrenaline to visitors… for guaranteed thrills! It must be said that the view below is magnificent, wild and intimidating: enough to make you want to hold on a little harder to the rope ramp of the bridge!

However, it should be noted that this bridge may be a bit of a challenge for people suffering from vertigo. The bridge, although perfectly safe, tends to move a little depending on the people crossing it and the wind. It’s safe to take it, but it can be particularly difficult to cross for those with phobias of heights!

For those who are more comfortable, don’t hesitate to bring a sweater just in case, a windbreaker… and enough to take a few pictures. The landscapes when you are on deck are grandiose, and the view of the island is breathtaking. A real experience, that you will not forget anytime soon!

So much more to discover...