carrick a rede

Carrick a Rede: which means the rock in the road, was given this name because the island and adjacent shallow channel between it and the mainland act as a barrier to migrating salmon. They are deflected north into the nets laid by local fishermen who use the bridge to get to the fishery on the island.
A rope bridge has spanned the 60ft gap between the mainland and Carrick a Rede Island for at least 200 years. It is put up in April and remains in place until early September. Great care must be taken when crossing the bridge.
There's much more to see and do after a visit to the bridge. This part of the North Antrim Coast abounds in wildlife. Carrick a Rede has a thriving seabird colony where razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars are easily seen. Sheep Island off shore has the largest cormorant colony in Ireland. Archaelogical research has discovered the remains of an ancient promentory fort at Larrybane (which means 'the Ancient white site'), and fossils are frequently found in the large disused limestone quarry.
A walk along the cliff top path gives excellent views of Rathlin Island and the west coast of Scotland.