Dramatic rope bridge in Northern Ireland - Carrick-a-Rede

Yesterday we ventured out on a swinging rope bridge in Northern Ireland, with dizzying views. Carrick-a-Rede is a small island on the north coast of Northern Ireland, and is also the name of the rope suspension bridge that leads to the island. Before coming here, we also drove on insanely beautiful roads along the Causeway Coastal Route, with lots of sheep and many Game of Thrones filming locations.

Table of contents

Puncture on a tyre

When we were just getting ready to leave the campsite in Cushendall on the east coast of Northern Ireland, we discovered that we had punctured a tyre. Oh no! Fortunately, it turned out that there are spare tyres in Bunkcampers' rental cars, and with a little help from the man at the campsite reception, we were soon ready to leave. We first drove towards Cushendun, and then continued on to Torr Head, Murlough Bay and finally the rope bridge Carrick-a-Rede.

Byta däck — Peter gets help from the man at the campsite reception to change his tyres.

Nordirland — Here you can see our stops along the way!

Cave of Cushendun

We started by rolling to the next village, where there would be a famous cave. Very true! Here we found the beach and the cave where Davos Seaworth, in the TV series Game of Thrones, takes the witch Melisandre to give birth to a "shadow child". Truly a magical place, made for a fantasy story!

Stranden och grottan i Cushendun — The beach and cave of Cushendun

The beautiful road Torr head

After the visit to the cave, it was time to set off on the beautiful "Torr Head" road. We had already been informed beforehand that you can't drive this road with an oversized car, but the people we asked nodded in approval of our 5.4 metre long tiny car. So we ventured out!

So, what was it like to drive? First of all: stunningly beautiful! The narrow roads wind through intensely green landscapes, and all the time you look out over dramatic cliffs and blue sea. Our little campervan was great to drive, even if we had to drive slowly at times.

However, we didn't understand the purpose of the white painted centre line. Our car took up exactly the entire lane ... Peter also thought that I (Helena) photographed too many sheep, but it is not possible to avoid. They are soooo cute!

Torr Head scenic route — There is a white line in the middle, but our little campervan takes up exactly the whole carriageway.

Lamm Irland — A lamb resting with the sea in the background

READ MORE: Things to do in Ireland and Ireland's attractions
READ MORE: East Coast of Northern Ireland - Causeway Coastal Route

Murlough Bay

Alongside Torr Head is Murlough Bay, and to get down here you have to drive on possibly even narrower roads. But it's worth it! The scenery is fabulous and the views 'to die for'. Really! And even now I couldn't resist photographing sheep ... Incidentally, this is also a place where scenes for the TV series were filmed Game of Thrones. A scene between the Stannis brothers and Renly Baratheon was filmed here.

Väg Nordirland — Heading down towards Murlough Bay

Nordirlands kust — Seriously - how beautiful is this?

Irland lamm — Dramatic mountains ... and sweet lambs

Lammungar — We take a little close-up of the lambs ... right?

Coastal causeway Route — There were also other animals. If you look VERY closely, you will see two filurs jumping out to the left in the picture.

READ MORE: What is it like to travel by motorhome in Ireland?
READ MORE: Kylemore Abbey in Ireland - a sad story

Dramatic rope bridge in Northern Ireland

Well, we finally arrived at this dramatic rope bridge in Northern Ireland. The rope bridge runs from the mainland to the island of Carrick-a-Rede. The scenery is absolutely stunning and it's quite a thrill to walk out on the swinging suspension bridge. I (Helena) am afraid of heights and was actually a bit nervous, but it went well!

Rope bridge Nordirland - Carrick-a-Rede — Heading for a dramatic rope bridge in Northern Ireland - beautiful weather, but windy!

Dramatisk repbro i Nordirland: Carrick-a-Rede — Dramatic rope bridge in Northern Ireland: Carrick-a-Rede

Repbro i Nordirland - Carrick-a-Rede — On the way back: from Carrick-a-Rede to the mainland

Originally set up by salmon fishermen in 1755, this rope bridge in Northern Ireland is now the a major tourist attraction and to cross the bridge you have to buy a ticket. Now in May 2018 we paid 8 pounds (about 90 kronor) per person. There are staff at the bridge all the time who check that everything works and that a maximum of 8 people are on the bridge at a time.

Irland rope bridge - Carrick-a-Rede - repbro i Nordirland — Just walk across!

Island of Carrick-a-Rede

The island of Carrick-a-Rede has steep cliffs and is covered in dense green grass. It's rich in birdlife and when we were here, part of the island was closed off to protect the wildlife, meaning we could only see a small part of the island.

Sjöfåglar vid Carrick-a-Rede — Rich birdlife at Carrick-a-Rede

Utsikt från Carrick-a-Rede — View from Carrick-a-Rede

Another Game of Thrones location

Travelling around Northern Ireland is fascinating because everywhere we turn we see a sign telling us about a scene from the TV series Game of Thrones. At Carrick-a-Rede it was a little extra fun, because here it was actually the caravan park that was also an attraction.

The site designated for motorhomes, the former Larrybane quarry, has seen King Renly and his Queen Margaery, among others. Read more about Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland.

Game of Throne inspelningsplats vid Carrick-a-Rede — Husbisl parking - and filming location for Game of Thrones

03 May 2018 6:00

Ireland

freedom best, Motorhome holidays in Ireland, nature, attraction, unique nature, experiences in Europe

Helena

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Lena - good for the soul says:

Huh! That bridge! I stop breathing just looking at it in pictures! Oh my god! And I thought I was rid of my bridge phobia ðŸ™'

But how marvellously beautiful it is!

Hug Lena

03 May 2018 - 6:16

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  Helena says:
  
  Incredibly beautiful! (I did not know before if I would dare to go over, but it went well ;))
  
  03 May 2018 - 10:53
  
  Reply
åsa in åsele says:

OMG I would never walk across this rope bridge with a bunch of other people... hood. Think it's like walking on a bridge, I'd get seasick.
Very nice. Northern Ireland looks green and beautiful and can it be too much sheep 😉 as long as it concerns lambs, I am like you Helena 😀 love little lambs <3
Good luck with the puncture, glad you were able to fix it and continue your journey.

03 May 2018 - 7:19

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  The bridge was actually not quite as scary as I thought it would be ... except when it rocked 😉 And great that someone else likes lamb! There is a risk that there will be more lamb pictures 😉.
  
  03 May 2018 - 10:54
  
  Reply
Annar Aas says:

So beautiful pictures and so vividly told. I will never travel here but it doesn't matter, have been there with you!

03 May 2018 - 10:59

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  Helena says:
  
  Glad you appreciate our reports Annar! 🙂
  
  03 May 2018 - 11:19
  
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Our Vantastic Travels says:

What fantastic nature to travel around in a motorhome.
Fortunately, there are staff who check if someone goes crazy and starts jumping or running on this type of rope bridge. If they start rocking, I don't want to be there either. We were exposed to it in southern Spain that three guys came and just rushed past so the whole bridge started rocking. Terrible!
Have a good trip!

03 May 2018 - 11:09

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  It sounds really scary if someone starts running on a rope bridge like that. I think it's a bit scary from the start and I wouldn't like it! It felt good that there were staff here. They stood all the time and watched and made sure that the right number of people were on the bridge at the same time etc. Nice!
  
  03 May 2018 - 11:20
  
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Ruth in Virginia says:

It's almost too beautiful to be real! Breathless!
The colours of nature - so beautiful it almost hurts.
Sea and rocks and cute lambs.
The photo of the birds at Carrick-a-Rede makes your nerves tingle,
not to mention the rope bridge.
I am SO happy that you decided to go on this great trip in Ireland.

03 May 2018 - 12:42

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  Helena says:
  
  We can only agree with you Ruth! It's so beautiful that it almost feels unreal sometimes!
  
  03 May 2018 - 14:14
  
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Travel Friday/Annika says:

Just where I want to go in a few weeks, perfect to get some facts about the place! I love Game of Thrones and am thinking of re-watching a few episodes before we go, to get in the right mood.

03 May 2018 - 14:32

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  Helena says:
  
  How nice that you are planning to travel here! We also like Game of Thrones. Have talked about rewatching it 😉.
  
  03 May 2018 - 18:43
  
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BP says:

Couldn't have said it better than Ruth! Absolutely marvellous views. What incredibly beautiful nature and the nice weather and the lambs on it. The rope bridge is really cool. It gives a little jungle feeling I think.
How fortunate that you discovered the punk at the campsite and not in the middle of the journey on such a small road as you showed.

03 May 2018 - 14:50

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Isn't nature absolutely fantastic? And yes, as you say, we were lucky to discover the punk at the campsite!
  
  03 May 2018 - 18:44
  
  Reply
Ama de casa says:

We also walked on that bridge when we were in Ireland - I still shudder at the thought, but "anything for the blog" means that sometimes you outdo yourself and your phobias 🙂 ).

Wonderful pictures!

Keep having a great time on the green island!

03 May 2018 - 15:51

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  Helena says:
  
  "Everything for the blog" is good, it makes you dare a lot of things you would not have dared otherwise! 🙂
  
  03 May 2018 - 18:46
  
  Reply
Role o Carina says:

Wonderfully beautiful and roads where you would like to ride my Mc 🙂 .

Take care and enjoy yourselves.....

03 May 2018 - 16:45

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  Helena says:
  
  Easier to stay on your side of the road with a motorbike 😉.
  
  03 May 2018 - 18:47
  
  Reply
Mr Lars Permelin says:

Thanks for the lovely pictures, looks exciting with a rope bridge.

03 May 2018 - 17:59

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  The bridge was exciting 🙂
  
  03 May 2018 - 18:48
  
  Reply
Anna in Dubai says:

So wow what a place! So green! Tired of sand now, I think I need a holiday. And the sheep, look unbelievably soft. Feel free to try hugging them and report back on softness.

03 May 2018 - 18:03

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  I would like to test the softness 🙂 By the way, the grass is like sand in a way. Instead of having sand in the whole motorhome (usually happens in Southern Europe) we have grass in the whole motorhome 😉.
  
  03 May 2018 - 18:52
  
  Reply
Matts Torebring says:

But what travel memories you will take home with you, from this beautiful nature.

03 May 2018 - 18:23

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Indeed! A trip to remember!
  
  03 May 2018 - 18:53
  
  Reply
Across the board says:

Sure, it's beautiful, but walking across the bridge - no, I'd be well paid!

03 May 2018 - 20:17

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Haha, yes, that's one way to look at it 😉 Of course you shouldn't do anything you don't want to.
  
  03 May 2018 - 22:28
  
  Reply
Ditte says:

I have not seen Game and Thrownes, but I would love to do this trip. Such beautiful surroundings! And the bridge! So cool!
Very nice pictures that really make me want to travel here.

03 May 2018 - 21:41

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  Helena says:
  
  Nature in Northern Ireland is fabulous!
  
  03 May 2018 - 22:28
  
  Reply
Ruth in Virginia says:

After this post, there will probably be at least a 100% increase of
tinsmiths in Ireland. 🙂

03 May 2018 - 22:38

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  🙂
  
  12 May 2018 - 7:43
  
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Ann-Louise says:

So beautiful, and the sheep are very cute! 🙂

04 May 2018 - 22:42

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  I love the sheep, and especially the lambs 🙂 .
  
  12 May 2018 - 7:43
  
  Reply
Maria's Memoirs says:

oh what fantastic views, and understand you so well who wanted to take a lot of sheep pictures, so heavenly sympathetic and cute animals! 🙂 That suspension bridge, however, I am unsure if I would handle, and then I have still made some progress in terms of my fear of heights....

05 May 2018 - 22:34

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  I didn't know if I would be able to fix the suspension bridge, but it helped that it wasn't very long 😉.
  
  12 May 2018 - 7:44
  
  Reply
Annette says:

Incredibly beautiful, wow... I remember that scene with Melisandre, but I still don't understand what the purpose of the child she gave birth to was, maybe just to show that she was a witch. Well, I am convinced, I have to go to Ireland and bring lots of memory cards for the camera. I will show the family your photos and see what they think. I find it hard to believe that anyone would say no to a trip like this.

06 May 2018 - 8:34

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Hmm, no I don't know if I understood the purpose of the baby she gave birth to either...? There's some weirdness going on in that series 😉 Yes, lots of memory cards for the camera might be good when you're here 😉 (Unless you do what I do and upload to the computer every day.).
  
  12 May 2018 - 7:46
  
  Reply
Ms M says:

What fantastic pictures! I'm glad you're enjoying Ireland 🙂

06 May 2018 - 9:02

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- Comment by post author
  
  Helena says:
  
  Glad you like our pictures! Fantastic country this!
  
  12 May 2018 - 7:47
  
  Reply

Dramatic rope bridge in Northern Ireland - Carrick-a-Rede

Puncture on a tyre

Cave of Cushendun

The beautiful road Torr head

Murlough Bay

Dramatic rope bridge in Northern Ireland

Island of Carrick-a-Rede

Another Game of Thrones location

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38 Comments

Lena - good for the soul says:

Helena says:

åsa in åsele says:

Helena says:

Annar Aas says:

Helena says:

Our Vantastic Travels says:

Helena says:

Ruth in Virginia says:

Helena says:

Travel Friday/Annika says:

Helena says:

BP says:

Helena says:

Ama de casa says:

Helena says:

Role o Carina says:

Helena says:

Mr Lars Permelin says:

Helena says:

Anna in Dubai says:

Helena says:

Matts Torebring says:

Helena says:

Across the board says:

Helena says:

Ditte says:

Helena says:

Ruth in Virginia says:

Helena says:

Ann-Louise says:

Helena says:

Maria's Memoirs says:

Helena says:

Annette says:

Helena says:

Ms M says:

Helena says:

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