Walk Across Ireland’s Longest Rope Bridge

Fans of heights — and thrills — should factor in Ireland’s longest rope bridge, recently opened in southwest Kerry.

The newly opened Skywalk is now the country’s longest at 112 feet, edging its rival in Antrim by 46 feet. The bridge sits 36 feet above the Delligeenagh River and was built after a section of the Kells Bay Gardens was cut off after a storm damaged an existing concrete bridge.

“The inspiration for the rope-bridge derives from the rainforest and jungle plant exploration trips [I made].Though prevalent throughout South-East Asia, this type of bridge is often referred to as a Burmese Rope Bridge. Whereas all the site preparations, foundations and steel work from which the bridge was suspended was completed using local materials and expertise, the bridge was fabricated and hung by a team of specialists from abroad,” Billy Alexander, owner, Kells Bay House and Gardens.

The bridge adds another attraction on Ireland’s already famous and fetching Ring of Kerry, a route that can be driven or hiked, passing numerous small towns as well as dramatic Irish countryside and coastal scenery.