Carrick-a-Rede Northern Ireland

Day 63/ Northern Ireland 4

Travelled:33km

Stay: Carrick-a-Rede/Rope Bridge carpark N55.2392 W6.3482

Visited:Ballycastle, Kinbane Castle, Carrick-a-Rede/Rope Bridge (National Trust nonmembers £9pp)

As the rain poured down this morning, Mark watched another heart stopping Bombers game.  We then ventured on to Ballycastle and did a quick shop to fill up Bluey’s fridge. We were happy to find the height barrier open at the harbour carpark and so we waited for the fish n chip shop to open. The jumbo cod was on the menu for Mark and I had their specialty crab cake. 

We then went for a walk to help the digestion and luckily made it back before it started to pour again. Ballycastle is a pretty resort town boasting a sandy beach as well as the harbour.

 We continued on along the Causeway Coast and stopped to have a look at the remains of Kinbane Castle. There were also remains of one of the many limestone quarries that are found in this area. It was a beautiful setting with amazing views and we can only imagine how the colours would look in the sunshine. 

We decided we would head to the Carrick-a- Rede Rope Bridge and as we could stay in the carpark overnight. We opted to book our bridge crossing for first thing tomorrow morning in the hope the rain has stopped by then. We did manage to have a bit of a walk around the disused Larrybane Limestone Quarry site that has also been a GoT film site.

 Then at 6:30pm, the crowds had gone, so we decided to put our wet weather gear on and go cross the rope bridge. The coast views were stunning and the clear water breath taking, even though the sun remained hidden. Ever since 1755 fishermen have set up a rope bridge here that allowed them to access the best places to catch salmon until 2002.