In Ballintoy, a small village in County Antrim you can find the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which is located 1-hour drive north of Belfast in Northern Ireland.
The coastline around Ballintoy is filled with lush fields with sheep grazing only to abruptly end in a steep cliff before the Atlantic Ocean. The grounds around the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge are preserved as part of a national park, and thus you are charged a small admission fee in order to cross the rope bridge.
The rope bridge which connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede was first created in 1755 to help the local fishermen to gain access to the salmon near the island. Now the bridge is no longer used by fishermen as there are very few salmon left in the area.
Suspended almost 100 feet above sea level, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and is a major tourist attraction with 250000 people crossing the bridge every year. When crossing the bridge, only a few people are allowed on the bridge at a time, and you should expect the bridge to slightly swing or bounce while you walk over, but crossing the bridge is simple to do with flat shoes. Do note, if you are afraid of heights, there is only a narrow board in the middle of the bridge and you can see straight down on either side of the boards.
Those brave enough to cross the bridge will be rewarded with a remarkable view of the rugged coastline and of Rathlin Island and Scotland.
For myself, the true highlight of the experience was not the bridge itself, but the gem was the beautiful views they are stunning and well worth a visit if you find yourself in Ireland.