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CRUISING TO IRELAND:
NORTHERN IRELAND CARRICK-A-REDE ROPE BRIDGE |
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Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge links the Irish mainland to a small island just off the coast. It is suspended about 100 feet above the sea and thus poses a seemingly perilous journey for those who brave to cross it and a dramatic sight for those who just come to observe.
There have been bridges here for some 350 years. The first ones were built by salmon fishermen who were anxious to capture the salmon that swam by the island on their way to spawn. As many as 300 salmon a day were caught here at one time but now there are relatively few salmon in the area. Consequently, the island is no longer used for fishing. However, there is a fisherman's cottage and various relics of the fishing era remaining on the island. In recent years, there have been a number of rope bridges erected in different styles. The current bridge was erected in 2008 by Heyn Construction of Belfast. It has rope handrails and slats of Douglas Fir to walk upon. The bridge and the surrounding area are managed by the National Trust. |
In addition to the bridge, the site is the home of several varieties of sea birds. Dolphins, basking sharks and other fish live in the waters around the island.
More than 250,000 visitors come to the site each year. For information about visiting, see the National Trust website. |
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Cruise destination Ireland - Northern Ireland - Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge