Carrick-a-Rede bridge: Must-see or skippable?

Your pre-conceived notions on the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge somewhat mirrored my own. My wife and I spent a week on the Antrim Coast the end of May. We hiked from Balleycastle to Port Stewart over the course of a week while a company picked up and transferred our bags to our booked B&B’s each night. I, too, questioned if the rope bridge deserved the top billing it seems to get. Anyway, we were hiking in the area and stopped there mostly because my wife had to use the bathroom. However, while waiting for her, I noticed a sign in the parking lot indicating that spots were available for the next bridge crossing in 20 minutes. So, with that, I purchased two tickets and we walked roughly 1/2 mile where the lineup of the bridge crossing began, and I found the entire experience to go surprisingly well. The actual bridge is much shorter than I expected. After the initial hoard of tourists crossed back over the bridge, we were left with maybe a dozen or so other folks and it felt like the little island was ours for the last 30 minutes. The island and that area truly is breathtaking, although, we felt most areas we hiked through were beautiful.

So, to your question, I am glad we went, however, to me, the actual little rope bridge was not that memorable and it brought little value to me (I am 6’4”, so I think I crossed the bridge in 5 steps). However, when we were actually on the little island after crossing, it was beautiful. Maybe we got lucky in that the weather was perfect and possibly the tour busses got stuck in some Game of Thrones traffic jam or something? I think you are OK if you cross it off your list and you’d be OK if you kept it on your list. Some help I am, huh?

For me - it was worth it but crossing the bridge had a sentimental component, a conquer my fear component and a nature's beauty component. My travel buddy, that I met on a RSE trip, took the Ireland trip the year before we met and began traveling together. She always spoke of the bridge with joy while I was amazed because I'm terrified of heights (she was claustrophobic so we made good travel partners! LOL). The year after she died from brain cancer, I took the trip and was determined to cross the bridge despite my horrible fear of heights. I did cross the bridge - the staff was particularly helpful; clearly I wasn't the only acrophobic tourist to cross. It may sound corny, but I believe I felt her presence as I made the crossing. Unlike the other poster - my crossing wasn't made in five steps - the bridge will sway a lot if others are running/jumping while you are on the bridge - so to me it felt like it took a long time to cross. On my return, there was a young man with his girlfriend - who was terrified and I was able to reassure him that it wasn't as bad as it looked. He was glad he took the trip and challenged himself.

As for the beauty, I love nature, landscapes, wildflowers, birds - all of which were present. The water was clear green/blue and you could see birds diving/feeding beneath you. Some of the birds are endangered. The hike out was refreshing. It had been raining and super windy up until we made it to the bridge. On cue, the rain and wind stopped and the sun came out. Just absolutely stunning views all around. But if this isn't your cup of tea, and you don't feel particularly challenged by heights, then skip it.

I crossed it in 2002. It was much easier back then! (no time slots, etc) We just showed up and walked across. The island you cross to is nice for a break and we sat and did some bird watching for awhile. The bridge itself was not nearly as scary as I was led to believe and was a bit anti climatic. However, one of my travel slogans is "we must go and see for ourselves" so I just had to go.. However, given the higher cost ((it was 2 pounds to park) and the hassles, I would not return. Also, out of the all the sites listed in the RS book, the bridge was my least favorite. So if it isn't "calling to you" as a must see, I would skip it.

I visited on a 2-week guided tour. Several of us had the same reaction that it wasn't much since we'd all crossed the rope bridge in Vancouver. And we had to line up to walk onto it and were then encouraged to leaved it. I don't believe going onto the island was an option, but I can't say whether that was because our tour itinerary didn't allow the time or if it was the local authorities who imposed the ban. We did enjoy the walk and the scenery was absolutely gorgeous on a sunny day in August.

Thank you everyone for your input. We know we'll have some memorable experiences, and plan to do a lot of hiking in the west and north of Ireland. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, and if not, that's why there's Gore-tex and also pubs ;-)

I won't say absolutely not, but the bridge and its island may get a pass, so we'll have that much more time for the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce castle ruins, etc. Jay - you truly were some help, and some inspiration, too. Diane - sounds like you were at the right place, right time -- honoring your travel buddy's memory, and helping the young man through his own personal challenge, too. That must have been rewarding on several levels.

Connie - that's reassuring. Chani - now we may need to discuss a trip to Vancouver to consider their bridge!

I did a day trip out of Belfast to the Giant's Causeway about 15 years ago, and it included a stop at the bridge. I don't recall having to pay, but the fee may have been included in the price of the day tour. I also don't recall having to line up to cross, in fact there weren't many people there at all. I got some great photos there, but to me the bridge itself was underwhelming. But, I am from the Vancouver area, and Carrick-a-rede pales in comparison to the Capilano suspension bridge in North Vancouver. If anyone is thinking of coming to Vancouver, and wanting to do a suspension bridge, know that there is a second one on the other side of town from Capilano that is free. It's at Lynn Canyon, and also accessible by transit, but does not have the hoards of tourists that Capilano has, mostly just locals hiking the trails.

Visited in October 2010. It wasn’t £10 and there were no time slots. We just drove up, parked, and crossed the bridge. Very few people were there so we were able to take our time. I thought it was worth the stop, if for no reason other than to watch my wife who has a fear of heights cross it. Are the views spectacular, not more than any number of other places I’ve visited. Would I do it again, probably not, but I am glad I went.