Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Salmon fishermen strung a bridge across the twenty-metre gap between the mainland and the small island of Carrick-a-Rede for at least three hundred years, so they could set nets on the island to intercept fish following the coast; early versions had a single handrail and wide gaps between slats, and men crossed carrying gear and catch. The salmon fishery collapsed and the last fish was taken in 2002. The present bridge is a National Trust structure with two handrails and a solid deck, hanging about thirty metres above the water. The island itself is the remains of a volcanic vent, and the cliffs hold guillemots, razorbills and fulmars. The walk in from the car park runs about a kilometre along the clifftop with views to Rathlin and, on clear days, Scotland.

What you actually see

• The bridge - a twenty-metre span thirty metres above the sea.
• The fishermen's island - a volcanic vent used for salmon netting for centuries.
• The seabird cliffs - guillemots, razorbills and fulmars on the ledges.
• The Rathlin view - the island and the Scottish coast on clear days.

When to go

April to October for reliable opening; the bridge closes in high wind, which is frequent, and tickets are timed and must be booked ahead. Early and late slots are quieter.

Honest expectations

Tickets sell out and same-day availability is rare in summer. The bridge closes for wind with refunds but a wasted journey. The walk is a kilometre each way with steps. Crossing is one way at a time with queues, and the island itself is small.

Nearby

Ballintoy harbour is a short drive; the Giant's Causeway lies west along the coast.