This picturesque island sits at the most northern part of the country and is a complete paradise for nature lovers and history buffs looking to explore new territory.
Completely isolated and entirely wild, this island offers the ideal escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and feel the freshness of the sea air.
Rathlin Island is home to a diverse range of wildlife making it the perfect spot for birdwatching and hiking with a sense of calm that only a place with just 150 locals could bring you. But they’re not alone, as the island is home to tens of thousands of seabirds.
The Rathlin Seabird Centre offers a spectacular viewing platform to observe the joyous ways of the puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes in their natural habitat. Not to mention, seals are often seen lounging on the rocks, as well as Irish hare and Irish mink roaming around the place.
A traveller took to TripAdvisor to share their thoughts on the island, writing: “The beautiful and peaceful place. Very little tourism, but it’s not needed; everything is basic, normal everyday life. It’s so simple just to walk the island.
“We have done this on several occasions and walk to each lighthouse. I recommend getting the bus to the bird sanctuary, as it’s quite a walk and very hilly. The scenery is like you will never have seen before.”
Due to the unusual shape of the tiny island, it houses three beautiful lighthouses, all unique to one another. Beside the seabird centre is the West Lighthouse, which is famous for being Ireland’s only upside-down lighthouse and is a must-see when you visit.
The East Lighthouse, on the other hand, is Rathlin’s oldest and sits above the land, looming on the edge of the cave. It’s believed that this very cave was home to Robert the Bruce, who, legend has it, hid there in 1306 after being defeated in Scotland.
The tale says that whilst isolating himself inside, he was inspired by a spider to keep on fighting for Scottish independence. The story cemented his connection with the island, and many visit the cave to pay homage, as they look out and see Scotland themselves from Rathlin.
A pleased visitor shared: “The scenery is mind-blowing, and taking the bus up to the lighthouse and bird sanctuary was fantastic. So much to see, and not just puffins. Lots of other nesting birds, plus the old upside-down lighthouse. Just very cool.”
Meanwhile, another tourist in Rathlin wrote: “A perfect day on an idyllic and unspoilt island. From start to finish… from the scenic crossing to the cold drink at McCuaig’s bar overlooking the swimmers and paddle boarders in Church Bay (at the end of a long walk on a sunny day), Rathlin has everything you could desire.”
Although the only way to find yourself on Rathlin Island is via ferry, which you can take from Ballycastle Harbour. Here you’ll find two options: one passenger-only ferry taking around 25-30 minutes and another for people and cars taking up to 45 minutes.
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