Carrick-a-Rede means "the rock in the road". The name is thought to refer to the fact that the island is an obstacle for migrating salmon on their way to spawn in the Rivers Bann and Bush. The rope bridge was first constructed by local salmon fishermen 350 years ago to enable them to get to the best fishing grounds. It is no longer used by salmon fishermen, as salmon have become very scarce.
It was originally a much more flimsy bridge and even as late as the 1970s it only had one handrail and large gaps between the slats. It does bounce a bit when you walk across and you feel like you are still bouncing for a minute or two after you have crossed but the current handrails and netting mean that it is perfectly safe. The bridge is 30 metres above the chasm below and 20 metres long. The bridge used to be removed each winter and put back in the spring. However it is now left in place all year round. The current bridge, which is made of wire rope and Douglas fir was built in Belfast in 2008 at a cost of £16,000.
There are toilets, a gift shop and a tea room at the car park.
Looking east across Larry Bane Bay towards Carrick-a-Rede Island
The Rope Bridge
Only 8 people are allowed on the bridge at one time
Fishermen's Hut on the island
Sheep Island from Carrick-a-Rede Island
Carrick-a-Rede Island and the Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede Island and Rope Bridge
Fishermen's hut on Carrick-a-Rede Island - looking east towards Kinbane/White Head