Are you trying to discover the best things to do with kids in County Antrim? Carrick-a-Rede is a world-famous coastal landmark and outdoor adventure park managed by the National Trust. It serves as an exciting cliffside activity category where families can embark on scenic coastal walks, spot unique marine wildlife, and test their bravery on a historic rope bridge over the Atlantic Ocean.

Prices start from £0.00 if you choose to park off-site and walk the public paths, but official pedestrian tickets to cross the famous bridge start from £15.50 for adults and £7.75 for children. National Trust members can cross for free, though pre-booking a timed entry slot online is highly recommended for everyone.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers jaw-dropping views and an unforgettable sense of adventure, this coastal bridge is a fantastic choice. It provides a highly secure yet exhilarating environment where older children can conquer their fears while parents capture incredible photographs of the ocean.

Key Features

• Educational Day Out: Children can learn about the history of traditional salmon fishermen who built the first versions of the bridge over 350 years ago.
• Sensory Play Elements: Feeling the coastal wind against your face and listening to the waves crash against the rocks below offer incredible outdoor sensory stimulation.

Detailed Highlights

• The Rope Bridge Crossing: A narrow wooden plank bridge suspended nearly 100 feet above the crashing waves. Older kids will love the slight swing of the bridge as they walk across to the island.
• Carrick-a-Rede Island: The rocky volcanic island waiting at the end of the rope bridge. Children can explore the small patch of land and look out for nesting seabirds like fulmars and guillemots.
• The Coastal Path: A scenic one-mile walk from the main ticket office down to the bridge entry point. The trail gives families a great view of sheep grazing on green cliffs next to the blue sea.
• Larry Bane Quarry: A massive, historic limestone quarry located right next to the car park. Kids will immediately recognize the towering white rock walls from famous television shows and films.
• The Salmon Fisherman’s Cottage: A tiny stone building perched precariously on the edge of the island's cliffs. It serves as a great talking point for kids to discover how workers lived in the past.

Detailed Inventory & Beyond the Main Attraction

• The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Carrick-a-Rede Island Viewpoint
• The Coastal Headland Trail
• Larry Bane Quarry Rock Face
• The Historic Fishermen’s Cottage
• Sheep Island Lookout Point
• Rathlin Island Observation Deck
• The Weigh House Ruins