Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

Rathlin Island

Ballycastle Ferry Terminal, 18 Bayview Road, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6BT
Rathlin Island

Book Tickets Online

About

Amidst the rugged landscape of this beautiful island let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.

The ferry to Rathlin Island travels just six miles across the Sea of Moyle. This island is six miles long, one mile wide, "L" shaped and home to a slowly increasing population of around 140 people.

A short walk from the harbour is the Boathouse Visitor Centre(Seasonal) where visitors can discover some of the exciting history, learn about present day island life and see some artefacts from shipwrecks around the island. Enjoy many of the walks the Island has to offer including along the shore to Mill Bay where you may see some of the resident seals basking or at play. Cycle hire is another way to enjoy the island or take a bus trip.

From April to July is puffin season so don't miss the opportunity to see them along with lots of other sea birds. The re-furbished seabird centre is open to the public from 29 May with the added bonus of being able to explore a real working lighthouse which is now part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland tour.

Many tales of myth and mystery surround Rathlin; perhaps the most famous tells of Robert the Bruce. In 1306, the Scottish King took refuge on Rathlin where he watched a spider persevering again and again to bridge a gap with its web. Eventually it succeeded. Taking heart from the spider's efforts, he returned to Scotland and eventually regained his crown.

The island has a range of accommodation to suit different needs, a pub, restaurant, community shop and gift shop, offering Rathlin produced crafts. ‘Breakwater Studio’ features the work of local artist Yvonne Braithwaite, Islander Kelp and Northcoast Nature Photography Workshops.

The Rathlin Development & Community Association (RDCA) is the voluntary body that represents the Rathlin community and manages an informative website with detailed information about services and activities on the island www.rathlincommunity.org

Book Tickets

Facilities

Attraction Facilities

  • Gift Shop
  • Open Mondays
  • Open Sundays

Catering

  • Picnic Area
  • Tea-room/Cafe onsite

Establishment Features

  • Toilets

Provider Preferences

  • Dogs accepted by arrangement

Travel & Trade

  • Family Discount

Guide Prices

For Ferry prices please visit https://www.rathlin-ferry.com/

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating - 467 reviews467 reviews

Add Rathlin Island to your Itinerary

Check availability for Rathlin Island (opens in a new window)

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 0 282076 9299

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Contact Ballycastle Visitor Information for further information on the Boathouse Visitor Centre Tel. 028 2076 2024 and see www.rathlincommunity.org for updates on what is open on the Island.

What's Nearby

  1. Breakwater Studio on Rathlin Island is the Studio and Home of Yvonne Braithwaite. She is…

    0.16 miles away
  2. Rathlin is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island and is thought to come from…

    2.95 miles away
  3. Just six miles off County Antrim's north coast with must see views of Northern Ireland's…

    3.45 miles away
  4. Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along…

    5.88 miles away
  5. Ballycastle Beach offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fairhead and is…

    6.06 miles away
  6. Remains of Franciscan friary founded around 1500 by Rory MacQuillan. East range of…

    6.48 miles away
  7. Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland,…

    6.65 miles away
  8. This vantage point looks out over several islands, namely Rathlin, Carrick-a-rede and…

    6.74 miles away
  9. We specialise in producing smoked foods naturally, in the picturesque coastal town of…

    6.84 miles away
  10. Ballintoy Harbour can be discovered in the picturesque village of Ballintoy. Known as a…

    7.73 miles away
  11. The spectacular beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast.…

    9.36 miles away
  12. A lonely and mysterious Moorland Lake, sometimes called the 'Vanishing Lake'.

    9.98 miles away
  13. A traditional Irish sheep farm experience in County Antrim. Get an insight into sheepdog…

    10.26 miles away
  14. The beautifully restored Old Church Centre offers arts & heritage events, exhibitions,…

    12.88 miles away
  15. This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth…

    13.24 miles away
  16. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's…

    13.43 miles away

Related

RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre, Rathlin IslandJust six miles off County Antrim's north coast with must see views of Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony and a chance to explore Rathlin's unique 'upside down' lighthouse part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland Trail.

Breakwater Studio Rathlin, Rathlin IslandBreakwater Studio on Rathlin Island is the Studio and Home of Yvonne Braithwaite. She is generally in residence at the Studio all year round and would be pleased to welcome you should you make a visit to Rathlin.

rathlin ferryRathlin Ferry, BallycastleBallycastle-Rathlin Island Sailings daily, weather permitting. 45 mins. Groups and wheelchair users by request. Booking advised.

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss