Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Location Design Material Overall Length Height Number of Span Load Limit Constructed Outdoor Losses.
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| Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge |
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a famous rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny Carrickarade Island (with the Irish: Carraig in 'Raid, meaning "cast stone"). It spans 20 meters (66 ft) and 30 meters (98 ft) above the cliffs. The bridge is primarily a tourist attraction and is owned and maintained by the National Trust. In 2009 it had 247 thousand visitors. The bridge is open all year round (depending on the weather) and people can cross it for a fee.
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| Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge |
History
Salmon fishermen are believed to have been building bridges to the island for over 350 years. It has come in many forms over the years. In the 1970s it had only one handrail and large gaps between the slats. A new bridge, tested to ten tons, was built with the help of local climbers and abseilers in 2000. Another was built in 2004 and offered visitors and fishermen alike a much safer passage to the island. The current cable and Douglas-fir bridge was made by Heyn Construction in Belfast and rose in early 2008 at a price of over? 16,000. Although no one fell off the bridge, there were many instances where visitors, unable to face the walk back across the bridge, had to be taken off to the island by boat.