Carrick-a-Rede

Photo by KM
Photo by Tracey Nicholson


How’s your head for heights? A narrow, swinging bridge, 20 metres long and suspended 100 feet above the rocks and sea below, links mainland Northern Ireland with a tiny outcropping of volcanic rock known as Carrick-a-Rede. Many years ago it was a much more precarious crossing, when salmon fishermen would use the bridge to check their nets, before the catch here dried up. Today the bridge is one of the country’s most beloved visitor attractions - around a quarter of a million people every year make the trip across and back, though every now and again some lose their nerve and have to be rescued from the island!

One of the main reasons people cross the Carrick-a-Rede bridge is because of the area’s wild beauty. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest on account of the unique and diverse geology, flora and fauna present. Indeed, it is a popular haunt of birdwatchers who come for the kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills that nest here. On a clear day, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Scottish islands and the Causeway Coastline.

Found just outside Ballintoy, County Antrim, the bridge is open year-round subject to weather conditions - put it this way, you wouldn’t want to cross it in a thunderstorm - and a small fee is payable that contributes to its upkeep.

So if you’re a bit of a thrillseeker, why not channel your inner Indiana Jones and take the challenge of crossing this infamous chasm?

Popular places to visit


Top Carrick-a-Rede Hotel Deals

The Salthouse Hotel
The Salthouse Hotel
4 out of 5
39 Dunamallaght Rd, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
The Salthouse Hotel
Glass Island Boutique Luxury B&B
Glass Island Boutique Luxury B&B
5 out of 5
11 Beechwood Ave, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Glass Island Boutique Luxury B&B
Causeway Hotel
Causeway Hotel
3 out of 5
40 Causeway Road, Giants Causeway, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Causeway Hotel
Stay Lagom Lodge
Stay Lagom Lodge
3.5 out of 5
11 Novally Rd, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Stay Lagom Lodge
Causeway Tavern B&B
Causeway Tavern B&B
3 out of 5
241 Whitepark Road, Lisnagunogue, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Causeway Tavern B&B
Bayview Hotel
Bayview Hotel
4 out of 5
2 Bayhead Road, Portballintrae, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Bayview Hotel
The Bushmills Inn
The Bushmills Inn
4 out of 5
9 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
The Bushmills Inn
Finn McCool's Giants Causeway Hostel
Finn McCool's Giants Causeway Hostel
2 out of 5
32 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Finn McCool's Giants Causeway Hostel
Rest A While
Rest A While
3 out of 5
90 Casltenagree Road, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Rest A While
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.