National Trust - Carrick-a-Rede
Sightseeing attraction | Ballycastle | Northern Ireland | United Kingdom
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge history
The National Trust - Carrick-a-Rede in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, is one of the most famous and spectacular attractions in Britain, renowned for its stunning rope bridge and picturesque coastal landscape. This site, managed by the National Trust, an organization dedicated to the preservation of historical and natural sites, is located along the world-famous Causeway Coastal Route and offers a unique combination of nature, history, and adventure. The main attraction is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, which connects the mainland to the small island of Carrick-a-Rede – a place appreciated for both its beauty and thrill.
Hiking along the Northern Ireland coast
The history of the rope bridge dates back to 1755, when salmon fishermen first erected it to reach the island, which served as a strategic point for intercepting migrating salmon. The name "Carrick-a-Rede" comes from the Gaelic "Carraig-a-Rade," meaning "rock in the road," referring to the island's position that obstructed the salmon on their way to the rivers. Originally, the bridge was a simple construction with only a handrail and large gaps between the wooden planks, but it has been renovated several times over the years. The current version, maintained by the National Trust, consists of sturdy steel cables and wooden planks, is about 20 meters long, and swings 30 meters above the waves of the Atlantic. While it is safe, crossing remains an exciting experience, especially in strong winds that make the bridge sway.
Tea house at Carrick-a-Rede
The island itself is a small, rocky islet on which a over 400-year-old fishing cottage stands, preserved as a listed building. This cottage once served as shelter and storage for fishermen and today is a silent testament to the vanished salmon fishing industry that operated until the early 2000s. Fishing played a central role in the region's history, and on the island, remnants like a reconstructed crane used to lift boats and nets can still be seen. However, with the decline in salmon stocks, the focus has shifted to tourism, and the bridge is now one of Northern Ireland's most visited attractions.
Bird watching on the coast
The path to the bridge is an experience in itself. From the car park, a roughly one-kilometer coastal path leads to the bridge, passing through a rugged, wind-swept landscape of grassy cliffs and rocky paths. The path offers spectacular views of the North Coast, including Rathlin Island and, on clear days, the Scottish coast with the Mull of Kintyre peninsula. Along the way, visitors pass the remains of the Larrybane quarry, which operated for over 100 years extracting limestone and is now part of the nature reserve. The descent to the bridge is via a steep metal staircase that gives visitors a first impression of the depth of the chasm before they step onto the bridge.
Adventure holiday in Northern Ireland
The nature surrounding Carrick-a-Rede is as impressive as the bridge itself. The coast is a paradise for birdwatchers, with colonies of seabirds such as puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, and fulmars breeding on the cliffs. In summer, visitors may also spot marine creatures like sunfish, dolphins, or porpoises in the clear waters of the Atlantic. The flora along the path includes wildflowers like orchids and grassy meadows that add a gentle beauty to the landscape. The National Trust actively works to preserve this delicate ecosystem and ensures that visitor numbers are controlled to protect the environment.
For many visitors, crossing the rope bridge is the highlight of their visit, but the site offers more than just this short adrenaline rush. On the island itself, expansive views over the sea and rugged cliffs reward the brave who take the step. The bridge is closed in strong winds or storms, highlighting its dependence on the forces of nature and instilling a sense of respect for the harsh surroundings in visitors. Besides the bridge, there is a small tea house on-site offering refreshments, as well as toilets and a picnic area to complete the visit pleasantly.
Carrick-a-Rede is not just a tourist attraction but also a place with cultural depth. The connection to salmon fishing and the region's legends, such as the stories of fishermen crossing the bridge despite stormy seas, give it a special atmosphere. The National Trust promotes this history through informative panels and guided tours offered seasonally. Additionally, the area is recognized as one of two "Dark Sky Discovery" sites in Northern Ireland, making it an ideal spot for stargazing on clear nights.
