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.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen over 250 years ago, suspended almost 100ft (30m) above sea level. Crossing the bridge is a thrilling experience and thousands of brave explorers are rewarded each year with stunning views across to Rathlin and the Scottish Islands, and a chance to see the original fishery on the island. Blow out the cobwebs and sway with the wind as you cross and take in the beautiful coastal scenery along the Causeway Coastal Route, best known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This 1km coastal walk evokes memories of the past when the salmon fishery was at an all-time high and how fishermen first constructed a single handrail rope bridge to transport boxes of salmon caught off the island.

Carrick-a-Rede ticket includes reserved on-site parking, walks and talks illustrating the history of the site, access to all facilities, including the restrooms and the Tearoom, and rope bridge crossing.

The Visitor Experience

Crossing the bridge is a thrilling experience, high above the water and open to the elements. Thousands of brave explorers come every year to blow out the cobwebs, see beautiful 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 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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, taking in the breath-taking views from the coastal path, venturing across the 20-metre chasm, exploring the island of Carrick-a-Rede, grabbing a certificate on the way back, and finishing the day with a coffee and a sweet or savoury treat from the Tearoom.

Booking your visit

For the best rates, pre-book your tickets via the official Carrick-a-Rede website prior to travelling to the site. 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.

Online sales close out 1 hour in advance of each time slot, so it's essential you plan your visit accordingly, especially at busy times.

National Trust Members and Neighbour Pass Holders gain free access; however, pre-booking is essential for everyone. 

For the most up-to-date ticket price information, please visit the official Carrick-a-Rede website.

Excessive wind speed often results in Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge having to close to ensure the safety of visitors and team members. In the event of the rope bridge closing due to high winds, those who've pre-booked tickets via the official Carrick-a-Rede website will recieve a full refund. All updates on closurs are published on the official Carrick-a-Rede website.

Accessibility

A manual wheelchair is available for loan from within the Tearoom. This is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can’t be pre-booked. The first 0.5km of the coastal path is accessible, with an accessible telescope. After this viewing point, on route to the rope bridge, there are steeper slopes and two long sets of steps.

Carrick-a-Rede are proud to offer sensory bags to ensure everyone feels welcome and equal, whilst embracing the beauty of nature. These contain a selection of items designed specifically for visitors with sensory needs, including ear defenders, an emotion fan, various fidget items and a cuddly toy. These are available to loan from the Booking Hut, located in the main visitor car park.

Campervan Guidance

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-serve basis. No overnight parking is permitted.

Go Green and Save

Translink operate regular transport services that connect to Carrick-a-Rede. For routes, timetables and journey planning, please visit the Translink website. On arrival to Carrick-a-Rede, please present your valid ticket receipt to a member of the team to avail of a discounted 'Green Ticket' for rope bridge crossing.