The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connects the mainland cliff to a small island, 30 metres above the sea, across a gap of 20 metres. Salmon fishermen originally rigged it each summer to reach the island, where they could intercept the fish on their migration along the coast. The National Trust took over and now runs it as a visitor attraction, and the bridge has become one of the most photographed spots on the Causeway Coast.
The crossing is not technical — it is a proper bridge with handrails, not a tyrolean traverse — but it is exposed, and the wind and the view straight down into the water below give it a genuine edge. The path out from the car park takes about 20 minutes each way and passes some fine cliff scenery.
Carrick-a-Rede is 25 km east of Portrush, at the far end of the Causeway Coast from the Giant's Causeway. Combining both in a single day is feasible by car; a full loop from Portrush via the Causeway, Bushmills, and Carrick-a-Rede makes for an excellent 80 km coastal drive.