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Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

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Four Star Quality Assurance
119a White Park Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LS
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About

Carrick-a-Rede is one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions, cared for by the National Trust, a registered conservation charity founded to protect beautiful and special places for everyone, for ever.

Connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean, Carrick-a-Rede Island (home to a single building - a fisherman's cottage) is the final destination. Suspended almost 100ft (30m) above sea level, the rope bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen 250 years ago.

Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is an exhilarating experience, high above the water and open to the elements. Thousands of people come every year to blow out the cobwebs, see beautiful coastal scenery, and spot rare wildlife. Sway with the wind as you cross and take in the stunning views along the Causeway Coastal Route, best known as an outstanding area of natural beauty in Northern Ireland.

As a conservation charity,  the National Trust they are committed to preserving and protecting our special places and spaces for everyone to enjoy. This includes protecting ongoing conservation, managing health and safety and trying to ease traffic congestion around the site.

How long does it take to walk the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge? Crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge takes only a few minutes, however you can expect your total visit time to be approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The walk from the car park and ticket hut takes about 20 minutes, depending on your pace.

When is the best time to visit Carrick-a-Rede? Set your sights at first light and come early, or choose a later slot for your visit. The 09:00 -1100 and 15:00 - 17:00 slots tend to be the quietest.

For the best rates, pre-book your Visitor Experience tickets in advance via the official Carrick-a-Rede website. Pre-booking helps the team to prepare for your arrival and helps to spread visitor numbers more evenly throughout the day, improving everyone's experience overall.

Campervans and Motorhomes are welcome to visit Carrick-a-Rede and can avail of a limited number of spaces, allocated on a first come, first served bases. No overnight parking is permitted. 

 

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Toilets for disabled visitors
  • Wheelchair hire

Catering

  • Gluten Free Options Available
  • Picnic Area
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

  • Cater for individuals
  • Lost property
  • Online Booking
  • Pets accepted - Dogs on leads are welcome throughout indoor and outdoor areas, but aren't permitted to cross the bridge.
  • Prior Booking Required - For the best rates, pre-book your Visitor Experience tickets in advance via the official Carrick-a-Rede website.
  • Toilets
  • Wifi

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking
  • Frequent bus services - Ulsterbus 172 from Coleraine; Ulsterbus 252 and 256 from Belfast; and Service 402 Causeway Rambler. Visit Translink website for detailed information - https://www.translink.co.uk/.
  • On site parking
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Coastal
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Outdoor Attraction

Travel & Trade

  • Family Discount

Events

Thursday, 3rd July 2025 - Thursday, 3rd July 2025

A family pictured enjoying a Wildflower Crown Making session on a sunny day at Carrick-a-RedeWildflower Crown Making Workshop at Carrick-a-RedeLet your creativity run wild and join the Carrick-a-Rede team for their annual Wildflower Crown Making Workshop!
more info

Friday, 22nd August 2025 - Friday, 22nd August 2025

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, with the sunset in the backgroundIsland Sunset Experience at Carrick-a-RedeDon't let the 'sun set' on your Summer without experiencing Carrick-a-Rede at the most magical time of the day. On this exclusive event, grasp this unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Carrick-a-Rede at sunset!
more info

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 4798 reviews4798 reviews

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Tel+44 (0) 28 2073 1855

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Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Seasonal opening times apply. Please visit the official Carrick-a-Rede website for the most up-to-date information.

What's Nearby

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Related

Carrick-a-Rede Cottage, BallintoyA fisherman’s cottage with sea views, perched on the hillside close to the famous 200-year old Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Carrick-a-Rede Cottage is a light and welcoming National Trust Holidays property for four people, a short walk from coastal trails with Atlantic views and the historic rope…

Friday, 22nd August 2025 - Friday, 22nd August 2025

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, with the sunset in the backgroundIsland Sunset Experience at Carrick-a-RedeDon't let the 'sun set' on your Summer without experiencing Carrick-a-Rede at the most magical time of the day. On this exclusive event, grasp this unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Carrick-a-Rede at sunset!
more info

Thursday, 3rd July 2025 - Thursday, 3rd July 2025

A family pictured enjoying a Wildflower Crown Making session on a sunny day at Carrick-a-RedeWildflower Crown Making Workshop at Carrick-a-RedeLet your creativity run wild and join the Carrick-a-Rede team for their annual Wildflower Crown Making Workshop!
more info

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Directions from Town:

Public Transport Directions

Train: Services from Belfast or Londonderry to Coleraine.

Bus: Causeway Rambler (Ulsterbus No. 376) Bushmills to Carrick-a-Rede runs in the summer; or Ulsterbus No. 252 is a circular route via the Antrim Glens from Belfast. Both stop at Carrick-a-Rede. Car: On B15, 7 miles from Bushmills, 5 miles from Ballycastle.

Drive time: Belfast 1.15 hours; Giant's Causeway 10 minutes.

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