TAKE a look at the stunning Irish island with incredible views, a “unique” lighthouse, sharks and a pub – with ferry trips from €4.70.
If you are looking for a relaxing day out with scenic island views and stunning landscapes – all without breaking the bank, you may be in luck.
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Rathlin Island is home to about 150 people and it is famous for its slow island life – a world away from the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It is located just off the east coast of Co Antrim in Northern Island and completely worth the journey.
The island is the only inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland and is renowned for having one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries in Ireland.
Rathlin is just 6km from Ballycastle Harbour and a 40 minute ferry is all it takes to get there.
FERRY FUN
The ferry service runs every hour from 8am till 7pm Monday to Friday.
There is a passenger ferry which can carry up to 141 people and takes approximately 25 minutes.
A vehicle ferry is also an option for those travelling to the island with a 40-minute journey to get there.
However, there is a restriction on the number of vehicles allowed on the island – so it’s advised to get in contact with the ferry company beforehand.
Parking is available at the free public car park at the ferry terminal.
Visitors are advised to pre-book the ferry trip, as the island is a popular destination in the summer months and spaces on the ferry can fill up rapidly.
Bookings can be made over the phone, email or in person. A family day return ticket will cost around €35.
Children’s tickets are priced at €4.70 (£4) and adults single fares cost €9.40 (£8).
Bicycles may also be carried on the ferry for an extra €5 return.
Cycle hire is also offered on the island and is recommended as a great way to enjoy the beauty of Rathlin.
WILDLIFE WONDER
The first thing visitors will notice about the island is the incredible wildlife.
Thousands of wonderful seabird colonies call Rathlin their home.
The island is also well known for its spectacular Sea Bird Centre.
Experience the incredible views of Northern Ireland’s largest sea bird colony from the amazing viewing platform.
Observe the magic of gulls, razorbills and kittiwakes. Visit the island in the summer months and you might even see some of the birds raising their chicks on the cliff edges.
One happy visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Well worth the walk to this spectacular sight.
“The staff were most helpful and very informative. The free use of binoculars was an added bonus.”
Dolphins and porbeagle sharks are also known to frequent the waters around the island.
The “Puffin Bus” is an alternative option for families. A journey around the island on this express bus costs just €5 for the day.
Stopping at the Rathlin Sea Bird centre and the great West lighthouse.
This lighthouse adds a unique feature to the island as it is known as the only “upside down lighthouse” in Ireland.
ISLAND VIEWS
The island stands at just six mile long, and hiking is recommended as the best way to explore the stunning island views – so don’t forget the hiking boots.
The Kinramer trial will bring visitors along the breathtaking cliff tops, with views of the crystal blue sea.
The North Walk brings visitors along the nature reserve. Donkeys are spotted regularly on this hike so make sure to take plenty of pictures.
For those interested in an ocean view, on a clear day you can see across the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Scotland from the Ballconaghan view point.
After a long day of taking in the picturesque island, why not grab a bite to eat and a cold pint.
McCuaig’s Bar is a great option for a sit down, with one visitor on TripAdvisor saying: “Great place to stop for a beer after exploring the island. Lovely atmosphere and nice staff.”
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