North West Ireland Tourism
Visitor Guide to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan
Visitor Guide to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan
Rathlin Island
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Rathlin Island
Six miles across the “Sea of Moyle”, and immediately abeam the town of Ballycastle, lies beautiful Rathlin Island. It is just six miles long, one mile wide, and has a modest population of just seventy people.
There are many tales of myth and mystery surrounding Rathlin Island. The most famous tells of Robert the Bruce. In 1306, the Scottish King was driven from Scotland by Edward I of England, and he took refuge on Rathlin. And while there, it is said that he watched a spider persevering again and again to bridge a gap with its web. Eventually it succeeded. And Robert the Bruce took heart from the spider’s efforts. He raised fresh forces, and returned to Scotland to fight for his kingdom. He too, eventually succeeded, and in 1314, regained the crown of Scotland.
Rathlin is a place apart, where time runs a little more slowly than elsewhere, and life is somewhat more contemplative. Where magic is found in the rhythm of the waves and the antics of seal cubs on the harbour slipway. Mill Bay is their normal stomping ground, but they are lured into the harbour on the promise of unwanted fish from the colourful trawling boats. In Rathlin’s harbour is “The Boathouse”, where visitors can discover some of the fascinating history if the island, learn about its present day life, and examine some of the artifacts recovered from the islands many shipwrecks.
To the west of the island is the renowned RSPB Seabird Centre, where puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes can be viewed throughout the summer months. The views here, too, are quite extraordinary, and Donegal, the North Antrim coastline, the island of Islay, and the Mull of Kintyre, can all be seen on clear days.
Rathlin is indeed a treasure, and an overnight stay is quite an experience. Accommodations are simple but perfect, its eateries serve fine wholesome food, and there are a couple of pubs to while away the evenings in good company, and often with fine traditional music.
Book Rathlin Island Accommodation
There are many tales of myth and mystery surrounding Rathlin Island. The most famous tells of Robert the Bruce. In 1306, the Scottish King was driven from Scotland by Edward I of England, and he took refuge on Rathlin. And while there, it is said that he watched a spider persevering again and again to bridge a gap with its web. Eventually it succeeded. And Robert the Bruce took heart from the spider’s efforts. He raised fresh forces, and returned to Scotland to fight for his kingdom. He too, eventually succeeded, and in 1314, regained the crown of Scotland.
Rathlin is a place apart, where time runs a little more slowly than elsewhere, and life is somewhat more contemplative. Where magic is found in the rhythm of the waves and the antics of seal cubs on the harbour slipway. Mill Bay is their normal stomping ground, but they are lured into the harbour on the promise of unwanted fish from the colourful trawling boats. In Rathlin’s harbour is “The Boathouse”, where visitors can discover some of the fascinating history if the island, learn about its present day life, and examine some of the artifacts recovered from the islands many shipwrecks.
To the west of the island is the renowned RSPB Seabird Centre, where puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes can be viewed throughout the summer months. The views here, too, are quite extraordinary, and Donegal, the North Antrim coastline, the island of Islay, and the Mull of Kintyre, can all be seen on clear days.
Rathlin is indeed a treasure, and an overnight stay is quite an experience. Accommodations are simple but perfect, its eateries serve fine wholesome food, and there are a couple of pubs to while away the evenings in good company, and often with fine traditional music.
How to get to Rathlin Island
Rathlin is accessed by way of Ballycastle which lies abeam it on the mainland. The Rathlin Ballycastle Ferry times are frequent, but prior booking is advisable during the summer months.Where to stay near Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island has lots of good places to stay nearby including hotels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.Book Rathlin Island Accommodation
