A launched swing amusement ride has a carrier (100) for carrying a rider, wherein the carrier is suspended to swing from a support (400) by at least one elongate suspension member (413, 423) and is arranged to swing in more than one direction along an arcuate path, the arcuate path having a lowest point; a launch mechanism (200) located outside of the arcuate path; and a tether (300) that is arranged to releasably couple the carrier (100) to the launch mechanism to accelerate the carrier (100) in a first direction through a portion of the arcuate path between an engagement position and a release position, and to decouple the carrier (100) from the launch system (200) at the release position to propel the carrier (100) on an upward trajectory on the arcuate path.