Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island is an inhabited island off the north coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland, known for its wildlife and maritime heritage. It is the only inhabited island off the coast of Northern Ireland and has a small permanent community.

Visitors come for seabird watching, coastal walks and the island’s remote coastal scenery; colonies of puffins and other seabirds attract seasonal wildlife tourism. The island has a single main village with basic services and a small number of holiday accommodations.

Rathlin has a long recorded history including medieval events and the well-documented 1575 attack often referred to as the Rathlin Island massacre. Historically it has been used for fishing, grazing and as a strategic coastal outpost.

The island lies off the north coast of County Antrim; regular ferry services run from Ballycastle on the mainland and crossing times depend on weather and the vessel used.

• Wildlife: The island supports significant seabird colonies, including puffins and razorbills, and has an RSPB presence during the breeding season.
• Access: Ferry services operate from Ballycastle on the County Antrim coast and are the normal way to reach the island, weather permitting.

What to See #

• Church Bay: Church Bay is the main village and ferry landing with visitor facilities, shops and accommodation; it is the usual arrival point for visitors to the island.
• Seabird cliffs / nature reserves: Cliff and coastal areas around the island, especially near the West Light, host important seabird colonies and RSPB-managed reserves.