The famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is one of Northern Ireland's most breath-taking attractions. It is located on the North Antrim Coast, east of Ballintoy. The bridge connects a very tiny island to the mainland. The area is exceptional in natural beauty with stunning views of Rathlin Island and Scotland. Underneath large caves are visible, these caves once served as shelter for boat builders during stormy weather.

It is thought salmon fishermen have been erecting bridges to the island for over 300 years. It has taken many forms over the years. In the 1970s it featured only a single handrail and large gaps between the slats. The current bridge, tested up to 10 tonnes, was built with the help of local climbers and abseilers in 2000. 15 people ranging from riggers and rope access specialists to National Trust wardens and volunteers took almost two days to complete the whole construction process.

The process began with a specialist abseiler lowering himself down the cliff face, walking across to the facing cliff at low tide and climbing up the far side. Originally a practical link to allow fisherman access to Carrick Island, a spot favoured by salmon, the bridge is now a seasonal challenge for the intrepid visitor. It is a little walk out to the rope bridge but the views and adventure make the hike all worthwhile.

Although no one has fallen off the bridge, there have been many instances where visitors unable to face the walk back across the bridge have had to be taken off the island by boat. It is owned and maintained by the National Trust. The bridge spans 20 metres and is 30 metres above the rocks below.

Today the bridge is mainly a tourist attraction, with 140,000 visitors in 2005. However it is still used by fishermen during the salmon season, which lasted from June until September. However there is now very little salmon left. The bridge is now taken down every year in late October or early November, depending on weather conditions, having been put up in March.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
http://en.wikipedia.org