Serene island that’s home to puffins, seals and Ireland’s only upside-down lighthouse

This UK island, off the coast of Northern Ireland, is a haven for wildlife and a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat. Seals are often seen lounging on the rocky coastline, whilst Irish hares and mink roam freely throughout the landscape

Completely isolated and entirely wild, this island offers the ideal escape for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the fresh sea air. Rathlin Island, located at the most northerly point of Northern Ireland, is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife.

This makes it a superb location for birdwatchers and hikers seeking the peace that only a population of just 150 people can provide, though they coexist with tens of thousands of species. The Rathlin Seabird Centre offers a spectacular viewing platform to observe the charming behaviour of puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes in their natural habitat.

Moreover, seals are often seen lounging on the rocky coastline, whilst Irish hares and mink roam freely throughout the landscape. One visitor described their experience on TripAdvisor, saying: “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”, reports the Irish Mirror.

READ MORE: ‘Really lovely’ dad dies after balcony fallREAD MORE: Brits are shunning Dubai to move to beautiful island just three hours away from UK

This compact island is home to three magnificent lighthouses, each with its own unique charm. The West Lighthouse, located next to the seabird centre, is known as Ireland’s only upside-down lighthouse and is a must-see for any visitor.

Rathlin’s oldest structure, the East Lighthouse, sits atop the edge of a cave, towering over the landscape. This cave is believed to have provided shelter to Robert the Bruce in 1306 after his defeat in Scotland.

According to legend, while hiding in the cave, he was inspired by a spider to continue his fight for Scottish independence. This tale has cemented his connection with the island, and many visitors make the journey to the cave to pay their respects, looking out towards Scotland from Rathlin’s coast.

One thrilled visitor commented, “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.”

Another holidaymaker on Rathlin shared: “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.”

While the only way to get to Rathlin Island is by ferry from Ballycastle Harbour, visitors have two options: a passenger-only service that takes about 25-30 minutes, or a vehicle ferry that can carry both people and cars, with a journey time of up to 45 minutes.