- Breathtaking.
- Picture postcard view.
- A time-honored dare.
- Utterly senseless.
- You get it or you don’t.
- The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was originally conceived to get local fishermen to their fishing grounds.
- It was always a seasonal structure - not necessary in winter and never constructed to withstand that season.
- The need for the bridge has long passed - it has been a pure tourist attraction for decades.
Once upon a time there was a seasonal need for this bridge - to get fishermen to the fishing grounds. Later fishing in the tourist's pockets became more lucrative and the flimsy rope bridge became an "attraction". There must have been dozens such constructions all across the British Isles, but only the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in County Antrim became a "must see". At least if you trust the guidebooks.
Frankly, my dear reader, I don’t agree.
There is no necessity for the continued existence of the bridge. But as it is part of (Northern) Irish folklore the National Trust has taken ownership and responsibility. For erecting the bridge every spring, for keeping it safe ... and for charging visitors for the dubious pleasure of walking across it. For which activity there should be no need. The rocky outcrop the bridge leads to is unexiting and the views are similar to those from the mainland.
Ultimately the attraction is the dare - dare you do it?
And your whole perception of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is dependent upon your outlook at such dares. If you are an adrenaline-junkie you'll love it. If you are here for the view of the famous bridge you'll get it. And if you have always wondered what the fuss is all about ... save time and energy by just not coming here.
