8. Myanmar's U-Bein Bridge
Situated in Burma's Amarapura Township
Founded in 1851
Price: not specified
The notorious U-Bein Bridge was built between 1849 and 1851, with the official opening taking place two years later. Engineers from Myanmar constructed the U-Bein Bridge using conventional scaling and measurement techniques. They created scale by meticulously counting footsteps. That appears to have been successful because U-Bein is still standing almost a century later.
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U Bein Bridge, Myanmar/SShutterstock ©Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin
U-Bein traverses the lake Taung Tha Man. Teakwood is a type of tropical hardwood used to make the bridge. At 3,967 feet, it is the oldest teakwood bridge still in use. All of the teakwood was made from wood that the Inwa Royal Palace had reclaimed. It's expected that in the near future, U-Bein will receive steel reinforcements from businesses like Rio or PEB Steel.
Undoubtedly, U Bein is an impressive achievement, yet it is not without its issues, which will probably cost the Myanmar government a lot of money. Some of the pillars are completely separated as they rot. Not only have fish breeding initiatives led to stagnant water in the pond, but flooding has also caused damage to the supports.
9. Carrick-a-Rede, Northern Ireland: National Trust
Situated in: County Antrim, Northern Ireland's Carrickarede
Established: 2008 (Current Bridge); 1600s (Makeshift)
Cost to cross: $12 to $20*
Unlike most of the other bridges on this list, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is not meant for use by vehicles or railroads. It appears to be intended just for those with the courage to cross it. Situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge connects the mainland to the island of Carrickarede, also known as the Rock of Casting.
Northern Ireland's National Trust Carrick-a-Rede ©Marije Kouyzer / Shutterstock
A well-liked tourist destination, Carrick-a-Rede is owned and cared for by the National Trust. Over 485,736 people had passed over its flimsy planks. Carrick-a-Rede has a clearance of 98 feet and a length of 66 feet. There's a limit of eight people who can cross at once (for a cost, of course). It was dubbed one of the "scariest" bridges in the world by Fox News.
Apart from its allure due to the "fear factor," the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge boasts some breathtaking views. Its distinctive flora, fauna, and geology are so remarkable that Ireland named it an "Area of Special Scientific Interest." From Carrick-a-Rede, you can also see Scotland and Rathlin Island.
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