Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Good for Children:
- Yes
4 reviews for Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
I saw this place on the internet before I went to Ireland and planned to check it out. My friend Vicky was kind enough to send me a list of most dangerous rope bridges in the world and this was on the list. Hmm.
I arrived at the rope bridge about 9 AM. The sun was out, although there were periods of rain. As I approached the visitor center a nice rainbow appeared over a house on the main road. The admission for the rope bridge was 4 pounds per person. It is a good half mile walk from the visitors center, down the trail with some rather steep rocks. Just as I headed down the trail, the rain started. Walking down the gravel trail and now somewhat slick rocks, the cows in the field beside the trail looked at me probably wondering why I was out in a now very steady rain. I continued the way down the cliff and finally to the checkpoint.
After a group of visitors made their way up to the checkpoint, the guard let me continue. The metal steps were fairly steep and wet as well. The guard indicated they had a heavy rain yesterday which impacted the tension in the bridge, but they adjusted it this morning to remove the slack. Thanks for that! Looking like a drowned rat, I made my way across the bridge. Actually it wasn't scary at all, the views of the sea below and rocky cliffs were amazing (from what I could see through the rain, the water running down my face and my water speckled spectacles. I made it to the other side with only slight bouncing. I had planned to walk all the way to the end of the island, but decided I was too wet and was ready to go back. I had to wait again for more visitors to cross. Back across the North Channel I trekked and began the long, wet journey back to the car.
Being cold and wet, I hit up the gift shop and tea room. Nice selection of gifts to choose from. I ordered a sugar doughnut and a hot chocolate. I think it was the best cup of hot chocolate ever!
The views from the park and the rope bridge are spectacular and made for a great experience, even if soaked with rain. How many times will you have to cross a swinging rope bridge over the sea?
A beautiful spot on the north coast, between Bushmills and Balleycastle. Very pretty views, even from the lot. On a clear day you can see the Arran islands and even Scotland in the distance.
I had to wait in line to cross, so that part wasn't exactly the highlight of the trip. If there is a short line, I think the walk across the rope bridge is well worth the 4 euro. The money helps keep this place up.
I expected the bridge to be a lot longer, so I was a little disappointed. Photos of this place give the illusion that the bridge is much higher and longer. Clear, CLEAR water & the softest green grass I have ever touched in my life.
They don't have a gift shop, but do have a cute little ice cream shop/cafe on site.
Admission is 3.70 for adults but I was allowed to look at it for free because of my fear of heights (there's a viewing platform). Groups have guided tours available. It cannot be viewed from the parking lot so you have to pass a ticket booth. Located alongside the North Channel, you can see the Scottish Islands. The chasm is 30 meters deep.
This leads to Carrick-a-Rede Island. We were told that this is a seasonal attraction built by shepherds to cross the cliffs.
I really liked this spot because it's sort of interactive. For me, that pushes it up to 5 stars. I am a little bit afraid of heights so it was an adventure for me to be on the bridge. Plus, the surrounding area as a whole is amazing. The color of the water is the bluest blue.