Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, close to Ballintoy on the Causeway Coast, links the mainland to the small island of Carrick-a-Rede - originally built by salmon fishermen in 1755 to reach their fishing grounds. Today it’s managed by the National Trust as one of the region’s best-known attractions; nearly half a million people crossed it in 2019, the most recent year that figure was independently confirmed.
The Bridge
The bridge is 20 metres (66ft) long and suspended around 30 metres (98ft) above the sea and rocks below, made of planks, wire, rope, and netting. It’s a genuinely thrilling crossing - not for anyone with a fear of heights, mobility issues, or balance concerns. Children under 8 aren’t recommended to cross, although there’s no formal age limit.
The bridge is well-maintained and closed in bad weather or high winds, so it’s worth checking conditions before you travel if you’re set on crossing rather than just viewing it.
Game of Thrones Connection
Carrick-a-Rede was a real filming location for Game of Thrones - the scene where Balon Greyjoy is killed by his brother Euron plays out on a rope bridge between the towers of Pyke, filmed here.
Visiting Information
Ticket pricing: Adult £16, Child £8 (National Trust, current). Tickets include reserved parking, the crossing itself, and access to facilities. Pre-booking online is essential in peak season (June-August) - timed-slot ticketing operates May-September, and same-day tickets regularly sell out in summer.
Opening hours: typically from 9:30am, with last crossing around 4:30pm in summer and 3:30pm in winter - confirm current hours before travelling, as they can shift seasonally.
Getting There
By car: from Belfast, either the Causeway Coastal Route or via the Glens of Antrim - both take around an hour. Approaching Ballintoy, follow Whitepark Road. The Glens route is the more scenic of the two, through forest, waterfalls, and coastal scenery.
By public transport: train or bus from Belfast to Coleraine, then a connecting bus toward the bridge - allow for roughly a 20-minute walk from the nearest bus stop to the site itself.
