About

Connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean, Carrick-a-Rede Island is the final destination.

Cared for by the National Trust and suspended almost 100ft (30m) above sea level, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen over 250 years ago. Crossing the bridge is a thrilling experience and thousands of brave explorers are rewarded each year with stunning views across to Rathlin Island 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 Visitor Experience tickets include 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.

 

Booking your visit

Carrick-a-Rede is a popular destination, particularly during peak times, such as Bank Holidays and throughout the summer months.

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

National Trust Members and Local Pass Holders gain free access to the Visitor Experience; however, pre-booking is essential for everyone. We’re entering a season of unpredictable weather, meaning that Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge sometimes has to close to ensure the safety of visitors and team members. If you’re planning to visit, please keep an eye on the official Carrick-a-Rede website for all updates in regards to closures.

The vast majority of visitors spend approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes at the site, 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.

If you only wish to walk the coastal path, there is a £10 parking charge (card payment only). This doesn’t include rope-bridge crossing.

 

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.

 

Additional Information

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.

 

The National Trust

The National Trust protects and cares for places like Carrick-a-Rede so people and nature can thrive.

Many millions share the belief that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. So, the National Trust look after the nation’s coastline, historic sites, countryside and green spaces, ensuring everyone benefits.

From wild and precious places to the world outside your window, the National Trust offers access, enjoyment and a chance for everyone to help out. Nature and the historic environment are under threat. They’re essential to everyone, they enrich people’s lives and are part of the fabric of society and they urgently need more care.

With their staff, members, volunteers and supporters, the National Trust is the biggest conservation charity in Europe. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference.

By purchasing Carrick-a-Rede Visitor Experience tickets, you are helping support the work of the National Trust.

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