As someone who recently visited the Causeway Coastal Route, I can’t recommend enough the experience of crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. It truly is a must-visit attraction that shouldn’t be missed in the Northern Ireland. To make the most of your visit, I highly suggest pre-booking your Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Tickets online.
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Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge Tickets
If you’re interested in visiting the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, there are a couple of options available to you. Firstly, you can purchase tickets directly from the National Trust website. This allows you to plan your visit in advance and secure your spot on the bridge.
Alternatively, you can opt for one of the tours that include a photo stop at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. One highly recommended tour is the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast. This tour not only takes you to the iconic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge but also includes visits to other famous locations such as The Dark Hedges, Giant’s Causeway, and Old Bushmills Distillery.
One of the great benefits of choosing a tour like the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour is that you may be able to take advantage of discounted prices. These tours often offer special deals and promotions, allowing you to save money while still enjoying a fantastic experience.
Moreover, if you’re concerned about driving on the left side of the road in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour is an excellent choice for you. With this tour, you won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with the challenges of driving in a different country. Instead, you can sit back, relax, and let the tour guide take care of all the transportation.
How Did We Get Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge Tickets?
We have been living in the UK for more than a decade now, so driving on the left side of the road in Northern Ireland was not a concern for us. We decided to rent a car from Belfast airport to make our way to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Upon our arrival at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge car park, we were fortunate to secure tickets for the bridge crossing. However, we noticed that most of the tickets were already sold out, so I would highly recommend booking Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge tickets online in advance to avoid any disappointment. It’s always better to plan ahead, especially for popular tourist attractions like this one.
For those who enjoy the freedom of exploring at their own pace, renting a car online is a great option. We opted to rent from Hertz Car Hire through the Discovercars website, as we had a positive experience with them during our trip to Iceland.
Hertz Car Hire is conveniently located inside Belfast International Airport, making it easy for us to pick up our vehicle upon arrival. Just remember to have a credit card with you for the deposit when collecting the keys from the Hertz Car Hire desk next to the luggage collection area.
How to Get to Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge?
🚗💨 BY CAR
📍 Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge car park: Ballycastle BT54 6LS
When we were planning our trip to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, we found out that it takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive from Belfast Airport.
Upon arriving in Northern Ireland, we picked up the keys to the rental car and made our way to the coast. Before reaching Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, we made a quick stop at Kinbane Castle to take in the stunning views.
If you are flying into City of Derry Airport, you can expect a similar travel time of around 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. For those coming from Dublin, the drive will be longer, taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
It’s important to note that if you are renting a car in Ireland and planning to drive to Northern Ireland, you should check with the rental car company beforehand to ensure that crossing borders is allowed.
The journey to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is not only scenic but also offers the opportunity to explore different attractions in Northern Ireland. Whether you are starting from Belfast, City of Derry, or Dublin, make sure to plan your route accordingly and enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.
Where to Stay Near Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge?
When we decided to rent a car online, we found that staying in Bushmills was the perfect choice for us. We booked a stay at Bush House Accommodation, which turned out to be conveniently located just a short drive away from all the iconic places in Northern Ireland. Bush House Accommodation is less than 20 minutes drive to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
What’s more, having the Bush House Bar downstairs was a great place to relax in the evening, and being within walking distance to the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world made our stay even more enjoyable.
Another advantage of staying in Bushmills was the abundance of dining options available nearby. We were spoiled for choice with restaurants and cafes, but our personal favorite was the Flash In The Pan. It quickly became our go-to spot for meals during our stay in Bushmills.
Overall, choosing to rent a car and stay in Bushmills while exploring Northern Ireland was a fantastic decision. Not only did we have the flexibility to visit all the places we wanted to at our own pace, but we also got to experience the charm of this small town.
What Does Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge Tickets Include?
When we visited Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, we parked our hire car and headed for 20-minute walk along the stunning Antrim Coast. The trail offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
Upon reaching the bridge, you’ll need to show your ticket to cross over to the island. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge ticket includes access to the rope bridge itself, as well as the opportunity to explore the island and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding area. Sightseeing tours do not guarantee entry to the bridge in the ticket price.
The experience of walking across the swaying bridge suspended high above the churning waters below is both thrilling and awe-inspiring, making it a must-do activity for visitors to the Northern Ireland.
Keep in mind that the path leading to the bridge includes some stairs, which may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues. Additionally, the bridge is exposed to strong winds, so it’s best to plan your visit during the milder seasons of spring or summer. You can check annual weather in Northern Ireland here.
Is it Safe to Cross Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge?
As someone who enjoys exploring new places and seeking out thrilling experiences, I was initially hesitant about crossing a Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge suspended high above the water. However, the bridge is well-maintained and regularly inspected to ensure its structural integrity.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, drawing in nearly half a million visitors annually. So, if you are looking for a unique and memorable experience, don’t hesitate to take a walk across this iconic rope bridge.
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge Tickets & Opening Times
Before visiting the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, it’s essential to check the opening times on the National Trust website. The bridge’s opening hours change throughout the year, so it’s important to be aware of the specific timings.
If you’re not interested in crossing the rope bridge but still want to explore the area, it’s worth noting that you will have to pay for parking. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s advisable to pre-book your Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge tour, which will include the carpark fee.
Interesting Facts and History About Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
It’s fascinating to discover the history and significance of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. In the past, the bridge was a vital tool for salmon fishermen during the salmon season (between June and September). However, due to a decline in the salmon population, the bridge is no longer used for fishing purposes. It’s disheartening to learn that in the 1960s, nearly 300 fish were caught daily, but by 2002, only 250 were caught throughout the entire season.
The bridge spans an impressive 20 meters and is suspended 30 meters above the rocks below. Over the years, the bridge has undergone various transformations. I learned that salmon fishermen have been constructing bridges to the island for more than 350 years.
In the 1970s, the bridge had a single handrail and wide gaps between the slats, which must have made crossing it quite an adventure. However, in 2000, a new bridge was constructed with the help of local climbers and abseilers. This bridge was tested to withstand up to ten tonnes, ensuring the safety of those who dare to cross it.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers breathtaking views of Sheep Island and Rathlin Island. The surrounding area is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest, highlighting its unique geology, flora, and fauna.
Was Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge Filmed in the Games of Thrones?
No, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was not filmed in the Game of Thrones series. However, if you happen to visit the bridge, I highly recommend checking out the nearby Larrybane Quarry. It’s just a short walk away and happens to be one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland.
Larrybane Quarry offers a stunning backdrop that was featured in the popular TV series. Walking through the quarry, you’ll be able to see the same breathtaking scenery that the Game of Thrones cast and crew experienced during filming.
Facilities Near Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
☕ At Carrick-a-rede, you’ll find a cozy cafe where you can indulge in a variety of refreshments. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a cup of tea or coffee, or even a delicious ice-cream treat, the cafe has got you covered. While there is limited indoor seating available, you can also choose to enjoy your food and drinks in the beautiful outdoor surroundings.
🐶 If you’re planning to visit Carrick-a-Rede with your furry friend, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs on a lead are more than welcome onsite. However, it’s important to note that dogs are not allowed to cross the bridge itself. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy a memorable day out with your furry friend and create lasting memories in this picturesque location.
🧍 You’ll find toilet facilities available at Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge car park. The toilets are open during the car park opening times.
Things to do Near Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge – Less Than 15 min Drive
During our trip to Belfast from Manchester, we had plenty of time to explore the beautiful attractions of Northern Ireland. We kicked off our adventure by visiting Kinbane Castle, a stunning medieval ruin perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Next, we made our way to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Walking across this iconic bridge suspended high above the crashing waves was an exhilarating experience. Afterward, we took some time to explore Larrybane Quarry, a unique location known for its striking limestone cliffs and fascinating geological formations.
Larrybane Quarry is conveniently located just a short stroll away from the coast, offering breathtaking views of Sheep Island and the crystal-clear turquoise waters. The proximity of the quarry to the coast allows visitors to easily transition from exploring the rugged beauty of the quarry to enjoying the serene coastal scenery in a matter of minutes.
Our exploration continued with a visit to Dunseverick Falls, a picturesque waterfall in Northern Ireland. Finally, we reached the highlight of our day – Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site left us in awe with its hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity. We spent hours wandering through this natural wonder, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the unique rock formations.
With so many incredible attractions near Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, we were spoiled for choice. As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Bush House Accommodation, eagerly anticipating the adventures that awaited us the next day.
Attractions Near Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge – Less Than 1 Hour Drive
One of the advantages of exploring Northern Ireland is the close proximity of its best attractions. Despite embarking on a three-day road trip, we never felt exhausted from driving rented car.
In addition to the places we visited near Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, we also had the opportunity to explore Fair Head cliffs, Torr Head, Dunluce Castle, White Rocks Beach, and Mussenden Temple. The best part was that all of these incredible destinations were no more than an hour’s drive from Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
On our way back to Belfast airport, we made a few more stops to soak in the beauty of the region. We visited Cushendun Caves, a hidden gem known for its unique rock formations and stunning coastal views.
We also explored the Hidden Village of Galboly and Garron Point, both offering a glimpse into the natural beauty of Northern Ireland. While these attractions were easily accessible from Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, I would highly recommend prioritizing the nearest attractions.
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