Take on the thrill of the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge this autumn. Enjoy spectacular coastal views of the Scottish islands, spot soaring seabirds along the cliffs and follow in the footsteps of salmon fishermen as you make your way from the mainland to Carrick-a-Rede island.
Discover Carrick-a-Rede
Suspended almost 30m (100ft) above the Atlantic Ocean, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen over 200 years ago.
Today, crossing the bridge remains an unforgettable memory of any visit and offers a thrilling burst of coastal adventure. Brave explorers are rewarded with spectacular views of the rugged Causeway Coast, with Rathlin Island and the Scottish Islands visible on clear autumn days. Keep an eye out for seabirds soaring along the cliffs and marine wildlife in waters below.
Once across, explore the dramatic coastal landscape and discover the remnants of the traditional, historic salmon fishery that operated here for genertions.
With breath-taking scenery, fascinating heritage and a touch of adventure, Carrick-a-Rede offers a unique experience in every season.
Carrick-a-Rede is now a highly popular tourist attraction, and tickets often sell out.
For the best rates, pre-book your tickets in advance.
Pre-booking also helps us to prepare for your arrival and helps to spread visitor numbers more evenly throughout the day, improving everyone's experience. National Trust Members and Neighbour Pass Holders gain free access, however pre-booking is essential for everyone.
Six things to look out for during your visit
Whilst exploring Carrick-a-Rede, keep your eyes peeled for these 6 not-to-be-missed highlights.
A working fishery from the 1700s until early 2000s, Carrick-a-Rede had a crane on the island for at least 100 years prior to its destruction in 2014, when storms spelled the end for its old timber frame. Breaking away from the rusted steel amount, the perished timber washed away. Today, you are able to see a reconstruction of the crane, built by Rangers in 2016. It helps to make sense of the fishing industry that was so important on the Causeway Coast.
The over 400-year-old listed Fisherman's Cottage, on Carrick-a-Rede Island was used by local fishermen for shelter and storage of their equipment and tools. Look out for the lifting gear for raising boats and salmon fishing nets on the island and catch glimpses of the past.
Guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars all share living space on the island and the adjoining mainland. The oystercatcher is a very common sight along the whole Causeway Coast.
The West Lighthouse on Rathlin Island is only 4.5 miles (7km) from Carrick-a-Rede. Thousands of puffins breed there every year.
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Delve into the history of Carrick-a-Rede
Discover the industrial and maritime history held within the limestone walls of Larrybane Quarry as you trace the line of coast over windswept grasslands and winding rocky paths to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
This 1km guided walk evokes memories of the past when the salmon fishery was at an all-time high and how fishermen first constructed a single handrail rope bridge to transport boxes of salmon caught off the island.
Stop with a member of the team at the white stones area for a short 15-minute chat to discover the rich history of this special place.
Autumn nature sightings | Nature Engagement Officer, Dr Cliff Henry -
As the lovely, long summer days slowly drift into autumn, the frantic activity of all of our wildlife over the last few months starts to slow, as breeding activity settles into winter preparation.
Most adult insects wouldn't survive the coming storms and cold weather, and must sit out the shorter winter days, hibernating in sheltered crevices. Other species spend the winter as eggs, larvae, or tucked up in pupal cases.
However, there are some hardy individuals that can still be spotted if you keep an eye out! Big, hairy caterpillars of the fox moth often make an appearence in the autumn months, hanging onto grass stems, soaking up the last few rays of heat from the fading sun.
As autumn begins, we bid a fond farewell to the last of the swallows, sand martins and warblers as they begin their marathon journey to warmer climates where there is plenty of insects for them to feed on. It might not always feel warm for us, but for birds like geese, that have spent the summer in northern countries, our landscape is full of fresh grass for them to nibble on.
A real treat from early October are family groups of Whooper swans flying in formation and gracefully gliding past the Giant's Causeway, having made the ardous flight all the way from Greenland. They have a very distinctive honk that they use to communicate, so very often you will hear them before you see them! Occasionally, larger flocks of geese also pass by.
Another real treat is to watch combined flocks of goldfinches and linnets 'dance' around the clifftop paths and fields before finally settling down to feast on the profusion of wildflower seedheads. Occasionally, they're also joined by rare twite finches that breed around here. The Causeway Coast is a stronghold for twite, but there are probably less than 50 breeding pairs left in Northern Ireland...
Playful schools of dolphins are a common sight all year, much to the delight of the lucky visitors who get a grand-stand view from the island as they leap and splash through the waves.
As summer fades into autumn, the lush green tones of the landscape melt away as autumnal yellow, brown and golden hues take over. Changeable autumn weather adds another dimension of interest to an already amazing landscape. From crisp, frosty mornings over the grassy fields, to howling storms whipping up, and thunderous waves crashing into shore, everyday is different, but still uniquely magical.
Share your Carrick-a-Rede memories with us! We'd love to see pictures of your visit to Carrick-a-Rede. When posting on social media, tag us for the chance to feature on our page!
A manual wheelchair is available for loan from within the Tearoom. This is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can't be pre-booked. 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.
For more information, click here to view our full accessibility guide.
Sensory bags available for loan
At Carrick-a-Rede, we understand that the summer holidays can be a busy, overwhelming time for many and we want everyone to feel welcome and equal, whilst embracing the beauty of nature.
We're proud to offer sensory bags, which contain a selection of items designed specifically for visitors with sensory needs, including ear defenders, an emotion fan, various fidget items and a cuddly toy. These are available to loan from the Booking Hut, located in the main visitor car park.
Discover more at Carrick-a-Rede
Find out when Carrick-a-Rede is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
It’s essential you pre-book your visit in advance to cross Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. If you’re planning a visit to Carrick-a-Rede this autumn, read this article to find out everything you need to know.
The famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen in 1755. The name, from the Gaelic 'Carraig-a-Rade', means ‘The Rock in the Road’, an obstacle for the migrating salmon as they search for the river in which they were born. Follow in the footsteps of the vanishing fishermen by uncovering the history of Carrick-a-Rede.
Discover where you can take your dog along the coastal route to this two pawprint-rated place, what you need to be aware of and what facilities are available for them.
