Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
Ballintoy, United Kingdom
A rope bridge 30 m above the sea to a tiny island once used by salmon fishermen. Book a time slot.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge links the north coast of County Antrim with the small island of Carrickarede. The bridge is 20 m long and hangs about 30 m above the sea. The name is usually interpreted as “rock in the road”. Salmon fishing at the island began around 1620, the first rope bridge for the fishermen was put up in 1755, and the last salmon was caught in 2002. The present bridge, made of wire rope and Douglas fir, was built in 2008 and is owned by the National Trust. A replica fishing crane stands on the cliff; the original was destroyed by winter storms in 2014.
You reach the bridge by a coastal path from the car park. Book a time slot online in advance (as of October 2026); this applies to National Trust members too. The bridge can be closed in strong wind. Most visitors need about an hour and a half for the path, the bridge, the island and the café. There are a few motorhome spaces, subject to availability; overnight stays are not allowed.
- Nearest town
- Ballintoy, United Kingdom
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 55.2400, -6.3320
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Craig House CampsiteCampsite7 km from Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge · 15 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Rathlin Glamping PodsCampsite11 km from Carrick-a-Rede rope bridgeElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Bush Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover17 km from Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge · 48 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Ballymacrea Touring Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover18 km from Carrick-a-Rede rope bridgeMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Craigahulliar Holiday ParkMotorhome stopover19 km from Carrick-a-Rede rope bridgeMotorhomesShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Tullans Farm Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover23 km from Carrick-a-Rede rope bridgeMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge?
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is in Ballintoy, United Kingdom, at GPS 55.2400, -6.3320. It is about 7 km from Ballycastle.
Can you camp near Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Glenmore Camping, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge?
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Causeway Coastal Route.
What is there to see near Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Giant's Causeway (11 km), The Dark Hedges (12 km), Mussenden Temple (32 km) and Fanad Head lighthouse (83 km).
When is the best time to visit Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)