In Ireland, you will find yourself witness to a great many scenes of rocks & ocean views. Few are as striking & adventurous as the path of the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. Some years ago, the bridge was used by fishermen, who crossed a more rudimentary version to work their trade, but the bridge in place today still may scare off a few more timid folks. That is, after they’ve first traversed the roughly mile or so walk up this somewhat hilly & rocky trail. Do stop & savor the view, as there really are few like it. When you reach the bridge, you will descend a metal staircase & when told by the attendant, be granted permission to cross(there is a fee & you are given a ticket when you enter the park). A limited number of people are allowed to cross at once, given the bridge’s design, & you are advised not to tarry, or you’ll be whistled at by the attendant, like a lazy sheepdog. Unless you’re dreadfully fearful of heights, the bridge is nothing to be afraid of, although it might be tougher on windy days, or if you’re dealing with obnoxious teenagers, but hopefully the National Trust attendant will lock them in a tower or something if they prove too rowdy. For added fun, find a 20 or 30 something to walk behind & quote the Indiana Jones’ line to Short-Round just before he cuts the rope bridge in Temple of Doom & see if they snicker.
Stevie M.
Great vistas from across the bridge(especially as we had a wonderful sunny day), definitely worth the time and effort to get there. The bridge itself is a little underwhelming and nothing special. There’s a substantial walk to the bridge from the ticketing booth. There can be a substantial line to cross the bridge, with possible waiting of 20 min to half an hour. The entry fee is just low enough for you not to mind paying it, but can’t shake the feeling that it’s only there to pay for the whole entry fee collection operation(for it’s own sake) and nothing else. Regardless, I would still go if I was put in the same situation.