News

Monday 13th March 2023

One of Northern Ireland’s most iconic accommodation venues will reopen for 2023 under new, local management.

Monday 13th March 2023

The Kintra II will be out of service on Tuesday 21st & Wednesday 22nd March for her annual out of water inspection. It is hoped, weather depending, that there will only be two days of disruption to this service. We will confirm asap if there will be a relief vessel to cover the sailings.

Thursday 9th February 2023

We have received the following update from the ferry operators, and will pass on anything further as and when it is received. Can we also remind residents and frequent ferry travellers that the new ferry text service is in place. If you wish to be included in the system please contact the ferry office and supply your mobile number: 07553193199 or email info@rathlin-ferry.com

"Rathlin Ferry Ltd:

Saturday 28th January 2023

The new operators of the Rathlin ferries, Charles and Dawn, are pleased (relieved!) to announce that the Spirit of Rathlin, the roll-on, roll-off ferry, is now back in service. The first sailing departed Rathlin at 9am this morning, Saturday 28th January 2023.

Vehicle bookings for today, Sunday and Monday only, can now be taken. For bookings after that, please ring from Monday when it is hoped that the full booking system will be restored.

Friday 20th January 2023

Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, it has not been possible, within the given timeframe, to secure the services of an alternative vehicle ferry. However, an engineer's inspection of the Spirit of Rathlin has been completed and essential works on the boat will happen early next week.

Subject to a successful recruitment process, an MCA inspection is also expected early next week, allowing the Spirit of Rathlin to return to full service as soon as possible.

Tuesday 17th January 2023

Saturday 14th January

The new ferry operators have had to slightly revise the timetable for the Kintra II sailings: "These are temporary changes only. Timetable will revert when sailings can be covered by two boats, and there's 'more of a stretch in the evenings'! Further updates expected on Monday 16th January. Watch this space, and thanks for continued understanding and patience."

Revised timetable for Kintra II sailings:

Depart Rathlin

Friday 13th January 2023

The Kintra II will will start sailing from 2pm today and they hope to do the rest of the day's sailings as per timetable, sea conditions allowing.

Michael will collect prescriptions from the boat arriving at 2.30pm today. He will stay at the harbour to distribute to anyone notified by the pharmacy to expect a delivery. This goodwill gesture will continue as a short-term measure.

Friday 13th January 2023

Arranging a new contract for the ferry service comes with a thousand details to be sorted, as we can imagine. Some of those details have already been reflected in immediate and practical questions. In most cases, we don't yet have the answers, and probably nobody else does either. Be assured that those details are being addressed as quickly as possible, by DfI and the new operators. Hopefully, the previous employees will soon be able to play their part again.

Wednesday 11th January 2023

We have just received the information release below from the Department for Infrastructure.

As you will read, it will bring a new operator into service from this Friday 13th January 2023. DfI have worked on contingency arrangements that allow for a direct award contract rather than a protracted tendering process given the urgency of the situation and the importance of maintaining a lifeline service.