2024-06-17
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge is a magnificent suspension bridge made of ropes, situated thirty meters high in Northern Ireland.
This bridge was built over three hundred and fifty years ago by salmon fishermen, but that doesn’t seem to discourage intrepid travelers who venture to cross it… only to return a few minutes later.
I have mentioned in other articles that I suffer from vertigo, so you can imagine that I couldn’t cross the bridge.
Even so, I acknowledge that it is a fascinating place, whether you want to cross the bridge or simply explore the area.
Everything you need to know before traveling to Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
How to get to the suspension bridge?
We visited the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge on a day tour from Dublin, but many people prefer to visit the bridge while staying in the city of Belfast.
Since it is a remote location, the ideal option is to rent a car, or alternatively, join a tour.
If you prefer to take a tour, you can do so from either Dublin or Belfast.
Location: 119a White Park Road, Ballintoy, Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
How long does it take to complete the entire route, including crossing the bridge and exploring the area?
Plan for about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to explore the area, from the parking lot to the suspension bridge.
However, this estimated time largely depends on the number of people crossing the bridge. On busy days, you might spend about 1 hour waiting in line to cross.
In other words, if the line to cross the bridge is reasonable, it could be a bit quicker.
Is it safe to visit this rope suspension bridge?
The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge is accessible to visitors of all ages, but it’s important to consider your physical condition when planning to cross.
It’s true that the suspension bridge offers an exciting experience, and although it sways a bit during the crossing, it is safe and regularly maintained.
In other words, there isn’t a strict age restriction, but those afraid of heights, like myself, may find it challenging.
Furthermore, crossing the bridge is only permitted on good weather days; visits are suspended in rainy or windy conditions, all with visitor safety in mind.
When is the best time to visit the suspension bridge?
It’s advisable to visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge on a sunny day, preferably with light wind. In fact, on bad weather days, bridge crossings are simply canceled, and no one is allowed to cross.
Considering this, the best time to visit the suspension bridge is in the summer, specifically during the months of June, July, and August.
Is there parking near the bridge?
There is a car park for cars about a 20-minute walk from the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, as well as a tea room.
Although the tea room is very convenient, its prices are quite inflated, so if you’re traveling on a tight budget, it may not be a good choice.
Alternatively, consider bringing along some snacks and drinks to recharge after a couple of hours exploring the area.
Ticket prices for visiting Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Adults: £9.
Children: £4.5.
Tickets must be purchased at the ticket office on-site and cannot be reserved in advance.
Additionally, you can only visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in good weather.
What to see around Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Close to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, you can see one of the locations where they filmed ‘Game of Thrones,’ Dunluce Castle.
It’s ruins of an ancient castle by the sea. Additionally, I recommend adding a stop at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to your trip.
Our experience at Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
We visited the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge right after the Giant’s Causeway, and still reeling from the surprise of the Causeway, we were confident it would be easy to cross the bridge.
Well, turns out the bridge is quite high, and in our family, the only one not afraid of heights is the youngest, and we didn’t want him to get scared.
So, Mom decided not to cross the bridge to stay with the little one, for his sake, of course!
A few minutes later, the older brother informed us that he also didn’t want to cross, as there wasn’t much to see on the other side of the bridge… Dad, brave as ever, didn’t give up and crossed without the company of the family.
Do you think it’s a good excuse to not cross the suspension bridge due to vertigo?
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