Everything you need to know abour Rathlin Island
Nestled off the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland, Rathlin Island is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This enchanting island boasts a unique blend of rugged natural beauty, rich history, and a thriving wildlife population.
You can expect to be mesmerised by the island’s stunning landscapes, from its rocky shorelines to its rolling green hills.
With various activities to suit all interests, Rathlin Island is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure and getting off the beaten track. However, if you plan to walk around – please note that the island is much hillier than you may first expect!
Rathlin Island Ferry
The Rathlin Island Ferry is the primary mode of transportation for visitors and residents alike to access Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland.
The ferry service operates from Ballycastle, a town on the mainland, and offers regular crossings throughout the year, with more frequent services during the summer months. To reach our stunning island, you can take the ferry that traverses just six miles across the sea.
The journey time to Rathlin Island is approximately 35- 40 minutes, during which passengers can enjoy stunning views of the North Antrim Coastline. The ferry can accommodate both foot passengers, bicycles and vehicles, making exploring the island’s many attractions easy.
The Rathlin Island Ferry is a reliable and convenient way to reach this captivating island, and it’s an experience to be noticed. You can check the timetable to plan your trip here: Rathlin Island Ferry.
History and Legends
Rathlin Island is a place where history and legend come together. The island is well-known for its links to the famous Scottish King, Robert the Bruce. In 1306, after losing his crown, he took shelter in Rathlin and became fascinated by a spider that he watched for days. The spider’s perseverance in weaving a web inspired him, and he eventually regained his crown upon returning to Scotland.
The island has a rich and varied history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to at least 6,000 BC. During the Neolithic Age, Rathlin Island was an important centre for producing Porcellanite stone axes traded across Ireland. Today, the island is full of ancient relics and ruins that give a glimpse into its fascinating past.
Rathlin Island was also the site of Ireland’s first recorded Viking raid. In 795, the Vikings attacked the island, pillaging and burning the church and other buildings. Visitors to Rathlin can explore the island’s history and legends through various tours and exhibits.
Rathlin Island Massacre
Rathlin Island, located off the coast of Northern Ireland, has a rich and often tumultuous history. One of the most tragic events in the island’s history was the Rathlin Island Massacre of 1575, in which a group of Scottish mercenaries sent by the English government massacred the entire population of Rathlin Island, including men, women, and children.
The island has also played a significant role in Irish mythology, being the site of battles and legends featuring figures such as Fionn MacCumhaill and St. Columba. Rathlin Island was a strategic stronghold in the Middle Ages, with various clans and families vying for control.
Rathlin Island Population
Rathlin Island has a relatively small population, with approximately 150 people residing year-round. The island’s population swells during the summer months as tourists flock to the island to enjoy its natural beauty and historical attractions.
The community on Rathlin Island is tight-knit and welcoming, with residents known for their hospitality and warmth. Many of the island’s inhabitants are involved in fishing and agriculture, with a small number working in the tourism industry.
Rathlin Island’s population may be small, but it is a vibrant and close-knit community that has managed to preserve its distinctive culture and way of life.
Rathlin Island Weather
You can check the weather on the Net Weather website or the Irish Meteorological Service.
Rathlin Island Map
Rathlin Island Accommodation
Rathlin Island has various accommodation options for visitors planning to stay a day or two. Whether you prefer a hostel, a self-catering cottage or a more luxurious bed and breakfast, there is something to suit all preferences and budgets.
Rathlin Island Hostel and Soerneog View Hostel are both great options for affordable shared accommodation. You can rent bicycles at these hostels to explore the island on two wheels. If you want a unique experience, why not try Rathlin Glamping Pods? Located just a short walk from the harbour, these pods offer stunning views of the Sea of Moyle.
For those seeking a self-catering option, loft apartments in converted barns and entire cottages are available for rent. However, if you prefer a more pampered stay, consider one of the island’s B & Bs. Coolnagrock B&B and Manor House Bed & Breakfast offer sumptuous meals and luxurious accommodations.
Facilities on the Island:
- Tourist Information and Visitor Centre
- Public Toilets
- ATM in McCuaig’s Bar
- Post Office
- Public Toilets and Baby Changing
- Children’s Playground
- Outdoor Gym
When is the best time to go to Rathlin Island?
April to July is the best time to visit Rathlin Island.
During these months, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to witness one of nature’s most delightful sights – the puffin season. These colourful birds with their distinctive beaks flock to the island’s West Light Seabird Centre, where you can observe them and marvel at their cute and comical behaviour.
But that’s not all! You’ll also see many other sea birds that call the island home, such as guillemots, kittiwakes, and razorbills.
Apart from bird watching, this time of the year also boasts milder weather and longer daylight hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the island’s stunning landscapes and scenic walks.
If you visit a little later in May, you can see the babies, and also, the bike hire may be open, which is a great way to get around the island (although it is pretty hilly)!
How long do you need on Rathlin Island?
The time needed to explore Rathlin Island depends on your interests and how much you want to see and do. If you’re short on time, a day trip is certainly possible, and you can easily see some of the island’s highlights in a few hours.
For a more in-depth experience, we recommend staying on the island for at least one night. This will give you a chance to explore the island’s diverse landscapes and rich history and enjoy some of the many outdoor activities on offer.
Overall, we recommend spending at least one night on Rathlin Island to immerse yourself in its natural beauty and rich history. However, if you need more time, a day trip is still a worthwhile experience that will give you a taste of the island’s unique charm.
Things to do on Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island RSPB Centre and Puffins
If you’re looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience, the Rathlin Seabird Centre should be at the top of your list.
From the spectacular viewing platform, you can observe the wonder of puffins, razorbills, and kittiwakes in their natural habitat. These delightful birds flock to the island in spring and summer, creating colonies. You might even get lucky and see birds raising their chicks on the cliff edges! The Seabird Centre offers an interactive experience for all ages, with expert staff to answer all your questions.
While the birds are the star of the show here at Rathlin, colonies of seals love to lounge on the rocks!
The island’s diverse ecosystem will captivate you, whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors.
From the visitor centre, it’s only a short distance to the platform, but you will have to descend 98 steps. But don’t worry; binoculars and telescopes are available to ensure you don’t miss stunning views.
As part of Irish Lights’ Great Lighthouses of Ireland trail, visitors can also explore the unique ‘upside down’ lighthouse, which has an exciting history and fascinating architecture. Discover the stories of the people who lived and worked there, and learn about the lighthouse’s critical role in the island’s history. However, to reach the bottom of the lighthouse tower, be prepared to climb an additional 64 steps.
If you plan to visit the Rathlin Seabird Centre, note its opening hours: from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, with the last entry at 4.00 pm. The Seabird Centre building and viewing platforms are open to the public during these hours so that you can take in the stunning sights of the puffins, razorbills, and kittiwakes in their natural habitat.
Admission to the Seabird Centre is payable upon arrival, with RSPB members and children under five years old enjoying free entry. For adults, access is £5.00, while children can enter for £2.50.
Coastal Walks
Measuring 6 miles (9.7 km) long and 1 mile (1.6 km) wide, the island is small enough to explore on foot and offers a variety of trails that cater to all interests and fitness levels.
One of the most popular trails is the Kinramer Trail, which takes you along dramatic cliff tops, where you can marvel at the stunning basalt columns that make up the cliff face on the mainland. The top views are breathtaking, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture lovely photos.
The Kinramer North Walk is a must for those interested in wildlife and nature. This trail leads you through the Kebble Nature Reserve, where you can see wildflowers in bloom, hares grazing, and seabirds raising their young. Watch for rare and unique species that call Rathlin Island home.
Another great trail is the Ballyconaghan Trail, which takes you to the island’s north coast. On clear days, you can see across the Atlantic Ocean to Scotland. Take in the fresh sea air and enjoy the stunning coastal views as you make your way along this scenic trail.
Lighthouses
Despite its size, Rathlin Island is home to not one, not two, but three different lighthouses, each with its own fascinating story and charm.
Let’s start with the oldest of Rathlin’s lighthouses, the East Lighthouse. Sitting high above Robert the Bruce’s Cave, this lighthouse has been guiding ships since the 1800s. The views from the top are breathtaking, and you can learn about the island’s rich maritime history.
Next up is the Rue Lighthouse, located on the island’s northern tip. You’ll meet friendly seals as you walk along the paved track leading over the craggy rocks. Once you reach the lighthouse, you’ll be greeted by its iconic striped exterior and stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Last but not least is the West Lighthouse, located beside the Rathlin Seabird Centre. This lighthouse is unique as it is known as Ireland’s only upside-down lighthouse! From the top, you can take in panoramic views of the island and spot the diverse wildlife that calls Rathlin home.
Rathlin Island Boathouse Visitor Centre
Stop by the Boathouse Visitor Centre during your visit to Rathlin Island for a fascinating look into the island’s rich history. The Centre features an impressive collection of displays, photographs, images, and articles that bring together the island’s past and present. This is a must-see attraction.
Inside, you’ll find a wealth of history, including photographs, artefacts, books, and guides for sale, making it an ideal place to purchase souvenirs. And the best part? Admission to the Boathouse Visitor Centre is free, so there’s no reason not to check it out!
McCuaig’s Bar
McCuaig’s Bar is a popular destination on Rathlin Island and for a good reason. The Bar’s revamped Ebb and Flow cafe serves a delicious lunch, with whole food back on the menu after mostly light bites during the pandemic.
As we approached the island on the ferry, we couldn’t help but notice the giant letters spelling out the name of the Bar on the roof. The atmosphere was lovely, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. They poured a great pint of Guinness!
To top it off, a nice seating area is outside to enjoy the surroundings.
Kelp House
The Kelp House, a building associated with the island’s kelp trade, is a fascinating example of an industrial building dating back to the mid-18th century to the late 19th century. Originally built as a storehouse by Gage in Church Bay, the building played a vital role in the kelp industry of the time. The O.S. Memoirs document another similar store on the east shore near Bracken’s Cave. It is still being determined whether it refers to a ruined structure at Portawillan or the reused 19th-century boathouse further south.
Visitors to the Kelp House can still see the original ground floor entrance, complete with external steps to the shore, which still survives. Several reused ship timber lintels also stay in windows along this façade. The Kelp House is a fantastic monument that showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the island’s inhabitants during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Churches
Rathlin Island is home to two charming churches with intriguing histories: Protestant and Catholic. The Church of Ireland’s St. Thomas’s church has enjoyed an advantageous location near the harbour, nestled under some impressive cliffs that lend their name to Church Bay. The church has stood on this site since around 580 A.D., although Vikings destroyed it during their first raid on Ireland in the 8th century. The current church, a beautiful and modest structure, was constructed in 1812.
The Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception is a little further up a steep hill, adjacent to the island’s only school. It was built some decades after the most recent incarnation of the Protestant Church. During Penal times, mass was held under the shade of an overhanging rock in Ballynagard, which lies in the island Centre. These two lovely churches offer visitors an intriguing glimpse into Rathlin Island’s rich history and heritage.
Boat Trips
You can embark on an unforgettable journey with Kintra Boat Tours from Ballycastle Harbour and head out into Rathlin Sound to capture breathtaking views of Ireland’s North Coast, Rathlin Island, Mull of Kintyre, and the Scottish islands of Islay and Jura.
The tour will take you East towards Rue Point Lighthouse and Ushetport, where you can spot basking seals on the rocks. The cliffs around the island are teeming with over 100,000 seabirds nesting on the cliffs, and the highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the adorable puffins which can be spotted both on the water and on the cliffs.
You’ll also see Alta Carry Lighthouse, perched 72 metres above sea level on a cliff. This is a perfect opportunity to photograph the various bird species, including Razorbill, guillemot, kittiwake, skua, gulls, diving gannets, and fulmar. You’ll also look inside Bruce’s cave, where Robert the Bruce took refuge after fleeing Scotland in 1306.
This tour lasts approximately 2 hours, an experience you won’t want to miss. So, grab your camera and hop aboard!
Catch the Bus
Consider taking the bus from the harbour to the Seabird Centre to make the most of your time on Rathlin Island. Operating during the season, the bus aims to pick up passengers from the incoming ferries in the morning.
The round-trip fare is £5 for adults and £3 for children (cash only). The journey to the Seabird Centre takes about 20 minutes each way, with the bus typically leaving passengers at the Centre for an hour. For a more immersive experience, you may want to walk one way and take the bus for the other.
If you choose to step back, allow 90-120 minutes for the return journey, and you still have to pay the £5 fee whether you walk around or not!
We especially enjoyed that the bus journey provided a history of the island and that the bus driver stopped at specific points to highlight where events took place.
Shipwrecks
If you’re a fan of diving and maritime history, you’re in for a treat.
The waters surrounding Rathlin Island hold many secrets and stories of shipwrecks beneath the surface. With over 40 shipwrecks dotted around the coast, the island is a popular spot for wreck divers to explore. You can dive to explore these fascinating wrecks and get a glimpse into the past.
Three of the many shipwrecks stand out as the most famous: the HMS Drake, SS Lugano, and HMS Brisk. These vessels were sunk during World War I and were influential in history. The HMS Drake, in particular, holds the title of a listed monument to that war, making it a must-see for history buffs.
Where to eat on Rathlin Island
You have several options if you’re looking for good food and drinks on Rathlin Island. The Watershed Cafe is a cosy spot where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and indulge in their speciality crepes and homemade cakes. Head to the Hungry Seal food truck for a cooked breakfast, hearty lunch, or dinner for a more filling meal.
McCuaig’s Bar is the island’s only pub known for its lively entertainment and delicious pub food. Suppose you’re after a more upscale dining experience. In that case, the Manor House Bed & Breakfast has a licensed restaurant that offers an extensive menu of Irish classics, modern cuisine, and seafood dishes. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your appetite on Rathlin Island.
FAQ
Is Rathlin Island worth visiting?
Yes, Rathlin Island is worth visiting! This small island off the coast of Northern Ireland is steeped in history and offers stunning natural scenery, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. From its Mesolithic and Neolithic relics to its connections to famous figures like Scottish King Robert the Bruce, there is plenty to explore and discover.
Rathlin Island also offers a range of activities and attractions, including bird watching at the RSPB Seabird Centre, exploring the island’s rugged coastline, and visiting the unique upside-down lighthouse. Additionally, there are several places to stay, dine, and relax, ensuring visitors can fully immerse themselves in island life.
With regular ferry crossings and plenty of accommodation options, planning a day trip or even a longer stay on Rathlin Island is easy.
How big is Rathlin Island?
Located in the Sea of Moyle, our island is an “L” shaped beauty, measuring six miles in length and one mile in width.
Can I take a car to Rathlin Island?
Travelling to Rathlin Island is easy, with two ferry options available. The Spirit of Rathlin, a vehicle ferry, offers several crossings daily. For those travelling on foot, the Rathlin Express is a pedestrian-only ferry.
How do you pronounce Rathlin Island?
The pronunciation of Rathlin Island varies depending on the dialect and language used. In Irish, the island is known as Reachlainn. In the local Irish dialect, it is pronounced Reachraidh. In Scots, the island is called Racherie.
How much does it cost to go to Rathlin Island?
If you’re planning a visit to Rathlin Island, it’s essential to know the cost of transportation. The Rathlin Island Ferry operates several times a day, with each-way prices of £6.00 for adults and £3.00 for children aged 5-15. Children under five travel for free but will still require a ticket. Those with an NI SmartPass can enjoy a free journey. If you bring a bicycle, there’s an additional charge of £1.65. Remember that all payments must be made in cash, as the ferry does not accept credit cards.
What are some of the specific activities available on Rathlin Island?
You can go on boat trips, visit the RSPB bird centre, and visit the Visitor Centre.
For more on Northern Ireland, please read:
11 Best Free Things to do in Belfast 2023.
11 Best Pubs in Belfast City Centre.
Exciting Weekend in Belfast Itinerary 2023
Best Guide to Driving in Northern Ireland
