Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

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The bridge from the island

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a rope suspension bridge near, Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The bridge links the mainland to the tiny Carrick Island. 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. 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. In the 1960's, almost 300 fish were caught every day, but by 2002, only 300 were caught over the entire season. The bridge is now taken down every year in late October or early November, depending on weather conditions, having been put up in March.

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.