Description
Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
This unique & famous rope bridge is the only one of its kind in all Ireland. Connecting the mainland to Carrick a Rede Island, this 20-meter rope bridge was erected in 1755 to guide the local fishermen to their boats. Carrick a Rede island was once an active salmon fishery for over 400 years until relatively recent times. An old fisherman’s bothy(cottage), old ropes & nets are still visibly scattered across this island, echoing it’s once thriving fishery.
This location was actually the centre of an ancient volcano millions of years ago! Isn’t it amazing how everything changes through time? Nowadays it’s a major tourist attraction on the ‘Causeway Coastal Route’ offering an exhilarating coastal path & rope bridge experience across to the rocky island. Rathlin Island & the Scottish Isles can be seen from here on a clear day. All whilst standing next to a noisy seabird colony amongst the flora & unique volcanic geology of this small island.
