Carrick-a-Rede

It has been five years since I visited Northern Ireland’s legendary rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, near Ballintoy, County Antrim.

It was at that time, March, 2015, that I lost a dental crown at the car-park when chewing a fruit pastille.

The rope bridge has become a mecca for tourists and travellers alike.

The bridge is made from planks between cables and robust rope handrails.

Salmon fishermen crossed from the cliffs - a sea chasm of 100 feet - to their fishery cottage on Carrick Island.

The bridge was formerly assembled in May and dismantled in September, though it now opens for longer.

On the island the fishing boats were hoisted and lowered by derricks.

Ballintoy and Carrick-a-Rede were granted to Archibald Stewart in 1625 by Randal, 1st Earl of Antrim, for the annual rent of £9. 

This grant included Sheep Island and the isle of Portcampbell.

The National Trust acquired 56 acres of the property in 1967 from Frank Gailey and Iris Bushell.

The prospect is truly spectacular.

The Weighbridge Tearoom serves light lunches and refreshments:

I enjoyed a bowl of piping-hot leek & potato soup, with a thick slice of fresh wheaten bread.