Rathlin Island And Boat Trip

About

Just six miles off the coast, Rathlin Island feels like a world apart. Set against open sea and big skies, this small, L-shaped island invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and take in a quieter rhythm of life. Home to a close-knit community of around 140 people, Rathlin is six miles long, barely a mile wide, and rich in character at every turn.

A short walk from the harbour brings you to the seasonal Boathouse Visitor Centre, where the island’s story unfolds through local history, everyday life, and artefacts recovered from nearby shipwrecks. From here, set out on foot along the shoreline to Mill Bay, where seals are often spotted resting on the rocks or slipping through the shallows. Cycling is another great way to explore, and a local bus service offers an easy loop around the island.

From April to July, Rathlin becomes a haven for seabirds, with puffins among the seasonal highlights. The refurbished seabird centre opens from late May, and visitors can also step inside a working lighthouse, now part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland tour, for views that stretch across sea and cliff.

Rathlin is steeped in story as well as scenery. Legend has it that Robert the Bruce found shelter here in 1306, drawing inspiration from a spider’s persistence as it spun its web against the odds. The tale has become part of the island’s quiet folklore, echoing the sense of resilience that still shapes life here today.

For those who linger a little longer, Rathlin offers welcoming places to stay, along with a pub, a restaurant, a community shop, and a gift shop showcasing locally made crafts. Creative life thrives too, with Breakwater Studio displaying the work of island artist Yvonne Braithwaite, alongside Islander Kelp and Northcoast Nature Photography Workshops.