Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim, Northern Ireland (July, 2010)

While visiting family in Northern Ireland, we toured the west coast and visited Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Bushmills Distillery and Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. The name means 'rock in the road'. Since at least the early 17th century, Salmon fishermen have used rope bridges to reach the island. The island offered prime fishing spots where the salmon pass by to spawn in the River Bann and River Bush, nearby. Over three hundred salmon a day was a common catch.

The intimidating rope bridge is about 60 meters (approx.197 feet) long and about 90 meters (approx. 295 feet) above the water and shore rocks below. 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.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Carrick
• Rede
• Rope
• Bridge