119a Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Coastal reserve
Place photograph
6.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A clifftop path leads to a narrow rope bridge spanning the gap between the County Antrim mainland and a small island above the North Atlantic.
The draw is the combination of a rugged cliff walk and a dramatic crossing suspended above open water. The bridge is a managed visitor attraction, but the exposed coastal setting gives the visit a strong sense of landscape and discovery.
Dramatic
Find your way
Open map119a Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
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The experience
Follow the coastal path to the bridge and, if booked and open, cross to the island. Allow time to take in the cliff and sea views along the way. The route includes steep and uneven sections beyond the accessible first 0.5 km.
Things to do
Walk the coastal path to the bridge
Follow the clifftop route towards the rope bridge, with views of the rocky coast and sea. The path includes steep sections and uneven ground beyond the accessible first 0.5 km.
About 1–2 hours for the visit, according to the supplied visitor listing.
Cross the rope bridge
Cross the bridge between the mainland and the small island only with a valid booking and when the bridge is open. Pre-booking is essential.
Take in the sea views from the accessible section
The first 0.5 km of coastal path is accessible and includes an accessible telescope. Check current access details before visiting.
Pause at the Weighbridge Tea Room
Refreshments, snacks, tea, coffee and ice cream are available, with indoor seating and takeaway options.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
The clifftop walk and bridge
- 01
Check the National Trust’s current opening and booking information; pre-booking is essential for crossing the bridge.
- 02
Follow the coastal path towards the bridge, taking in the cliff and sea views.
- 03
Cross to the island if your ticket permits and the bridge is open.
- 04
Return along the coastal path.
Half day · Half day
Coast walk with a tea-room stop
- 01
Book the bridge crossing in advance and check the current opening information.
- 02
Walk the coastal path to the bridge and cross if access is available.
- 03
Allow time to enjoy the coastal views on the return walk.
- 04
Stop at the Weighbridge Tea Room for refreshments.
Verified history
A supplied visitor guide says salmon fishermen first erected a bridge here in 1755 to reach the island and set their nets. The current site is managed by the National Trust. The date and fishing history are reported by the supplied guide and social post, rather than in the National Trust excerpt provided.
Hidden details
A view towards Rathlin Island — A supplied visitor account singles out the view of Rathlin Island from the walk to and from the bridge.
When to go
· Choose a time that fits your booked crossing slot; check current conditions and opening arrangements.
The supplied sources do not establish a best season. Bridge crossing requires advance booking, and current opening information should be checked before travelling.
This is an exposed coastal setting. Check current weather and National Trust access information before setting out; do not assume the bridge will be open.
What to look for
- 01
Look out from the coastal path towards the rocky shoreline and Rathlin Island
- 02
the supplied visitor account specifically notes the view of Rathlin Island from the approach.
The story
Maritime
Best time to go
Check current opening and booking arrangements before travelling; conditions and bridge access can vary.
Choose a time that suits your pre-booked bridge slot. Check conditions and opening arrangements before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 9am-4:30pm
- Tuesday: 9am-4:30pm
- Wednesday: 9am-4:30pm
- Thursday: 9am-4:30pm
- Friday: 9am-4:30pm
- Saturday: 9am-4:30pm
- Sunday: 9am-4:30pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The coastal path and rope bridge are managed by the National Trust. Pre-booking is essential to cross the bridge. Check current opening, booking and access information before visiting; the coastal paths include steep sections, steps and uneven ground.
Check before visiting
Parking
On-site car parking is included with bridge-crossing tickets. Check current details when booking.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are available and open during car park opening times.
Food & drink
The Weighbridge Tea Room serves refreshments, snacks, tea, coffee and ice cream, with indoor seating and takeaway options.
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome in outdoor and indoor areas, including the tea room, but are not permitted across the rope bridge.
Accessibility
The first 0.5 km of coastal path is accessible and has an accessible telescope. The remaining coastal paths include steep paths, steps and uneven ground. A wheelchair-accessible car park and toilet are listed in the source row; check the National Trust accessibility guide for current details.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph6.0Dunseverick Castle
Dunseverick, near Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
7.3 km away
Place photograph8.2Giant’s Causeway
44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT57 8SU
11.4 km away
Place photograph8.1Fair Head Clifftop Walk
Fair Head, near Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
11.5 km away
