Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge★★
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a 20-meter-long suspension bridge spanning a 30-meter-deep chasm between the cliffs and a tiny offshore rock island (Carrick-a-Rede, "rock in the road"). The bridge was originally built by salmon fishermen to reach their fishing spot on the island — today it is one of Northern Ireland's most popular attractions.
The crossing is short (30 seconds), but not for the faint-hearted: The bridge sways in the wind, the sea roars far below you, and the planks are narrow. Once on the island, a fantastic view rewards you of the Antrim coast, Rathlin Island, and on clear days even the Scottish coast (Mull of Kintyre, only 24 km away).
The path to the bridge (1 km from the parking lot) runs along the cliffs and is already spectacular. The rock island hosts a breeding colony of puffins in spring and summer — the comical little birds with their colorful beaks can be observed from May to July.
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Book online tickets in advance — spaces are limited and sell out quickly during peak season. Combine with the Giant's Causeway (20 min drive) and the Dark Hedges (30 min) for a perfect Northern Ireland coastal day. The bridge closes in strong winds.
