Extended facilities launched at Carrick-a-Rede

The new facilities which total a 360K investment by the National Trust, includes the Weighbridge Restaurant, specialising in offering local and seasonal produce, a new gift shop where visitors can delight in picking up a memento or two of their Carrick-a-Rede experience and new toilets incorporating eco-friendly waterless urinals and low flush toilets. Other new technologies used in the building to help reduce carbon footprint include solar panels for heating water and rain water harvesting.

Commenting on the new facilities Cllr McShane said: "The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is one of the most spectacular visitor attractions on the island of Ireland, with breathtaking scenery and in an area bursting with historical and archaeological interest. This new facility will be a welcome addition to the fine tourism product we have here in Moyle and for me it is the gem of the North Coast."

Carrick-a-Rede is one of Northern Ireland's key coastal sites and most popular tourism destinations welcoming over 240,000 visitors annually. Site Manager Caroline Redmond explained: "With rising visitor numbers over the last few years having the impact of increased demand on the toilets and other facilities, it became evident that we needed to improve our facilities at Carrick-a-Rede in order to maintain our reputation for providing an excellent visitor experience. I am confident that the new and improved facilities will add to visitor enjoyment providing a more pleasant day out for our visitors".

Caroline continued: "The 360K project investment by the National Trust, also benefited the local economy by creating jobs for local contractors JS Dunlop who were successful in the tender process and built the new facilities".

With so much to see and do, why not extend your visit over a few days and take advantage of the accommodation on offer in the area including the National Trust Carrick-a-Rede cottage.