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Booking your visit to cross Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Published:
06 February 2026
A National Trust team member assisting a visitor, wearing a tartan dress and a long black and white checked jacket, across Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Co. Antrim. There is a visitor in the background, who's smiling at her friend whilst she walks across onto the island from the bridge
Experience the thrill of Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge this summer | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

From dramatic cliffs to the thrill of crossing the rope bridge, an unforgettable journey of discovery and adventure awaits you at Carrick-a-Rede. The Carrick-a-Rede Visitor Experiences includes walks and talks that bring the site's rich history to life, access to all facilities, including the newly revamped Weighbridge Tearoom, reserved on-site parking and of course, rope bridge crossing.

How do I book tickets?

If you're visiting Carrick-a-Rede this summer, pre-book your Visitor Experience tickets in advance of your visit to avail of the best rates.

Pre-booking helps us prepare for your arrival and reduces queue times for you and your party. It also helps avoid disappointment or delays if you arrive at a busy time.

Booking online takes just a few minutes.

Online sales close one hour in advance of each time slot, so it is essential that you plan your visit to Carrick-a-Rede accordingly, especially at busy times. 

Whilst National Trust Members and Neighbour Pass Holders can visit Carrick-a-Rede for free, pre-booking is essential for everyone. 

I'm travelling in a campervan/motorhome, how do I plan my visit?

Campervans and motorhomes are welcome to visit Carrick-a-Rede and can avail of a limited number of spaces, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. No overnight parking is permitted.

Can I travel to Carrick-a-Rede by public transport?

Yes. Translink operate regular public transport services that connect to the area. For routes, timetables and journey planning, please visit the Translink website.

On arrival to Carrick-a-Rede, please present your valid ticket receipt to a member of our team to avail of our discounted 'Green Ticket'.

How long will it take me to explore Carrick-a-Rede?

The vast majority of visitors spend approximately 1 hour 30 minutes at the site, taking in the breathtaking views from the coastal path, venturing across the 20-metre chasm, exploring the island of Carrick-a-Rede, grabbing a certificate on the way back, and finishing the day with a coffee and a treat from the newly refurbished café.

What happens if the bridge has to close on the day of my visit?

Excessive wind speed often results in Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge having to close to ensure the safety of our visitors and our team. 

In the event of the rope bridge closing due to high winds, you will recieve a full refund if you pre-booked your tickets via our official website. 

All updates on closures are published on our website. 

What facilities are there for visitors with limited mobility?

At Carrick-a-Rede, we are committed to providing an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

There is a manual wheelchair available for loan from within the Tearoom. This is available to Visitor Experience ticket holders, National Trust Members and Neighbour Pass Holders on a first-come, first-serve basis. Disabled parking is also available.

The first 0.5km of the coastal path is accessible, with an accessible telescope. After this viewing point, on route to the rope bridge, there are steeper slopes and two long sets of steps.

Sensory bags are also available to loan from the Booking Hut, located in the main visitor car park.

Recently, we teamed up with AccessAble, the leading provider of access information for disabled people in the UK, to create a brand new accessibility guide that aims to aid travel planning for those who need it most. View the Carrick-a-Rede AccessAble guide here.

What is an Explorer Pass?

If you're planning a trip in England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year, buy a National Trust Explorer Pass to enjoy entry to most of the places in our care. With 4-, 8- and 14-day options to choose from, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Explorer Pass and how to buy yours here.

2 couples crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, with the crystal blue sea in the foreground. A small queue of visitors waiting to cross onto the island, and visitors queuing to get back other to the mainland.
Views like no other, all waiting for you at Carrick-a-Rede | © National Trust Images/Ben Selway

Your support

As Europe's largest conservation charity, we look after nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy. We do it with the help of millions of members, volunteers, staff and donors. Without this, we couldn't care for the miles of coastline, woodlands, countryside and the hundreds of historic buildings, gardens and precious collections we protect.

Thank you for your support,

A man and a young boy crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Book your visit

To avail of the best rates, it's essential that you pre-book your tickets in advance of your visit to Carrick-a-Rede.

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