Information for Visitors

Rathlin Island is situated off the north east coast of Ireland, and is the only inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland. Because of its geographical position, Rathlin has long had associations with both Ireland and Scotland, and it once lay at the heart of the ancient kingdom of Dal Riada.

The island has County Antrim to the south, the Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal to the west, the island of Islay in the Hebrides to the north, and the Mull of Kintyre in mainland Scotland to the east. Today, Rathlin has modern transport and tourist facilities, and a steadily rising permanent population of over 100.

Rathlin Island has a long and eventful history, and some of the most breath-taking scenery anywhere in Ireland or Britain. It offers unspoilt environments and is renowned for its wildlife, particularly its seabird breeding colonies. The island offers relaxing peace and quiet, as well as the friendliest of welcomes. Come and visit us!

INTERACTIVE MAP

'THE RATHLIN CODE'

The RDCA has drawn up a code to encourage visitors and residents to be able to have a clean, safe and enjoyable experience of Rathlin Island.

The code is intended to ensure that some of the issues that have caused concern in the past will be addressed, and that island residents and visitors alike can have as enjoyable an experience as possible, during the tourist season and year round as well:

“We want Rathlin Island to be a clean, safe and enjoyable place for residents, visitors and wildlife.

Please help us by:
 Enjoying the Island and respecting its life and work
 Taking your litter home or using the bins provided
 Taking care on the roads - drive carefully, cycle on the left, walk on the right
 Guarding against all risk of fire
 Avoiding damage to walls and fences
 Keeping your dogs under close control
 Protecting all domestic animals, wildlife, plants and trees
 Respecting the residents’ privacy and property
 Leaving Rathlin as you found it – or better!
 Visiting respectfully

- and you will be welcome!”

TOURIST INFORMATION
Discover Northern Ireland's Rathlin page, Fáilte Ireland's page, and Moyle District Council's tourism website, with pages for the island in general, the Boathouse Visitor Centre, and the RSPB Seabird Centre. The Ballycastle Tourist Office's details.

FERRY SERVICE
The ferry service operates from Ballycastle, County Antrim, just six miles from the harbour on the island. During the summer season, there are up to 10 sailings in each direction, on two vessels, the car ferry MV Canna (taking 45 minutes to cross), and the new passenger-only vessel MV Rathlin Express (30 minutes). The 2011/2012 winter timetable came into operation on Monday 26th September.

Booking is very advisable, and bookings can be made in person, by phone or by email. Adult return - £11.20, Child return - £5.60, Senior citizens with valid Smart Pass go free. Bicycles may be carried on either ferry for £3 return. For further details contact the Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd or
call 028 207 69299

HARBOUR BERTHING FEES
There are a limited number of berths available on the pontoon in Church Bay harbour, berthing fee £12.50 per night. More information available here.

ACCOMMODATION
All the following are Northern Ireland Tourist Board approved:

Church Bay View Self Catering. Ph: 028 207 60067/028 207 63318/077 9892 6624. Email: sean.ohalloran@btinternet.com

Coolnagrock B&B. Ph: 028 207 63983

Kinramer Cottage Camping Barn. Ph: 028 207 63948

(Please note that from April to August, the Camping Barn is block-booked, but can take bookings from the public at any other time)

Manor House Guesthouse. Ph: 028 207 63964

Puffin Cottage Self Catering. Ph: 028 918 11659/077 7394 4339

Soerneog View Hostel. Ph: 028 207 63954

CAMPING
Unfortunately there are currently no camping facilities on the Island, although planning permission has been granted for future development of a privately-owned campsite. Therefore, currently camping is only possible with the permission of the relevent land owners. Many campers choose to camp in the field beside McCuaig's Bar - please contact the bar in advance on 028 207 63974.

Please ensure that your visit is enjoyable for yourselves and Island residents by respecting the Island's wildlife and environment - in particular by using the public toilets in the harbour, avoiding damage to stone walls, and by properly disposing of all rubbish.

FOOD & DRINK
McCuaig's Bar is open year round, and also offers food in Bruce's Kitchen during the tourist season. Phone: 028 207 63974.

Lunch, dinner and an evening tapas menu are all available during the season in the Manor House, as well as freshly caught fish at the award-winning Emma's Chip Ahoy.

Teas and coffees are also available from Fergus and Mary's during the season.

BOATHOUSE VISITOR CENTRE
The island museum and visitor centre, the Boathouse, situated a short walk from the harbour in Church Bay, contains a wealth of artefacts, photographs and information about the island's history and life on the island. Souvenirs and island-related books for sale. Open seven days a week during the season (from Saturday 23rd April until Sunday 18th September) 9.30-5.00 (closed for lunch, 1.00-1.30). Admission free.

RSPB SEABIRD CENTRE
The RSPB Seabird Centre is open from the beginning of April until the end of August, open seven days a week, from 10.00 to 4.00. It is spectacularly situated at the West Light, about five miles from the harbour (roughly a 90 minute walk). The seabird breeding colony hosts approximately 80,000 guillemots, 20,000 kittiwakes, 10,000 razorbills, 1,000 fulmars, and 700 of everybody's favourite, the puffin.

The seabirds start leaving the island to head back to sea from mid-July, with razorbills and guillemots going first, followed quickly by the puffins. The kittiwakes and fulmars will remain for most of August. The birds will start returning to Rathlin from March onwards.

RSPB staff and volunteers are on hand to welcome visitors, explain and answer questions. Binoculars and telescopes are provided for visitor's use free of charge. Souvenirs, snacks, teas and coffees are for sale. Admission free, but donations are very welcome.

GETTING AROUND
Rathlin is approximately five miles long east-west, and three and a half miles long north-south. Walking the island is a popular option and walking tours by Paul Quinn (Ph: 703 27960/077 4556 6924) are available. Wildlife photographer Tom McDonnell (Ph: 207 60080/077 2308 7668) offers wildlife walks and photography workshops, with opportunities to photograph seabirds, birds of prey, seals and maybe even the very rare Rathlin golden hare. Bicycles can be brought over by ferry (booking advisable) - on both the MV Canna and the MV Rathlin Express for only £3 return, and there is also a bicycle hire company on the island run from the hostel (Ph: 207 63954). Two private companies run minibuses to the RSPB Seabird Centre, operating from the harbour during the season, picking people up off incoming ferries - £5 return for adults, £3 for children.

PLAYGROUND
There is a large and modern children's playground situated between the Manor House and the pub in Church Bay.

PUBLIC TOILETS
There are public toilets in Church Bay, between the harbour and the pub, and at the RSPB Seabird Centre.

SHOP
The island shop - run by the Rathlin Co-Operative - selling groceries and general supplies is now situated in the Manor House. Opening hours Monday-Saturday 10.00-1.00 & 2.00-4.00. Closed on Sundays.

ISLAND TREASURES SOUVENIR & GIFT SHOP
Situated in Church Bay, a short walk south of the harbour. A selection of gifts to suit all ages. Prints, paintings and photographs of Rathlin. Books, postcards and handmade cards. Rathlin t-shirts. Rathlin pens, pencils, frdige magenets, etc. Souvenirs with a nautical theme. Selection of Island made soaps. Schuster's ice creams. Ice lollies, drinks and sweets. Beach toys and general toys. Now with the Post Office situated in the shop, Island Treasures will be open out of season Monday to Friday 10.00-2.00, as well as Saturday and Sunday 11.30-2.30 (weather permitting). Open all week during tourist season. For further information contact Catriona Blaney on 078 6866 3283

POST OFFICE
The Rathlin Post Office is situated in Island Treasures gift shop.
Open 10.00-2.00, Monday-Friday.

CHURCH SERVICES
St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic). Mass every Sunday at 12.00, October to May, and at 1.00 June to September.

St. Thomas' Church (Church of Ireland). Services once a month on the third Sunday at 11.30, September to June, and every Sunday at 11.00 in July and August.