abox3.   RATHLIN ISLAND!    abox3.

Rathlin Island eight miles long and less than a mile wide has for many years been considered part of the Glens. Legend tells us that this L-shaped island owes its origin to the mother of the great giant Finn MacCool. It is said that this great giant had drained Ireland dry of all its whiskey, so his mother headed off to Scotland to try and aquire some there. In her apron she carried "a mountain including trees, rivers and all" to use as a stepping stone to Scotland. Nearly half way across she tripped and fell, dropping her contents into the sea which formed the island with her pinned underneath it. Hence the old saying to this day when a storm blows up "The oul witch is kickin".

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Rathlin with a population of around 100 people is a beautiful place to visit as there is much to see and many places to walk. The seven mile ferry crossing from Ballycastle takes under an hour before docking at the new harbour at Church Bay where there is usually a mini bus waiting to transport any holidaymakers around the island. Around Church Bay there is a public house serving snacks, a general store, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, fish and chip van and there is also a guest house which should be booked in advance for those who wish to stay a night or two.

Its wild coastline has claimed many ships and as there are over 40 wrecks recorded to date around the island, it has become one of the most popular attractions for diving enthusiasts.

Probably best known for its impressive bird population ornithologists from around the globe come to watch the sea birds nesting in the steep clifftops and rocky terrain around the Island. Last census in 1985 seabird totals were:

On the Kebble Nature Reserve there are thousands of birds of different species to be seen and the noise at times can be quite deafening. Halfway down the cliffs there is a viewing platform which can be a very good spot from where you can study most of these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.

Mccuaig's Bar & Restaurant

Restaurant opening hours :  9.00am - 9.00pm.

Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Meals - Snacks - Teas - Sandwiches - Chips - Take -away Services.

Functions &Party Bookings

Tel: 028207 63974.

BALLYCASTLE - RATHLIN ISLAND FERRIES CROSSING DAILY.

Ballycastle: (012657) 69299. Booking advisable.

Northern Ireland: Ballycastle - Rathlin


Daily including Sundays (25 December & 1 January: Restricted Service) 

2002 Timetable uploaded as information becomes available.

 
  Until 20 March From 21 March 
	 
Ballycastle	dep
	 
Rathlin		dep

	NFSSu	FSSu
10:30	16:00	17:00
	NFSSu	FSSu
9:00	15:00	16:00

	 
10:30	17:00
	 
9:00	16:00

 

Check the codes that you'll see above some of the times on the timetable. The boat might sail at different times on these days.
If you scroll down the page you can see the fares. 

FSSu - Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only
NFSSu - Not Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
FARES Passenger (each) Passenger Senior Citizen (each) Cycle
Day Return Fare £8.20 £6.20 £2.00
Child under 5  Free Under 16 £4.

 

Some Useful Information.
To enable safety procedures to be carried out, passengers must be on board and in possession of a ticket at least 5 minutes before sailing time.
Only cars covered by permit issued by Moyle District Council will be conveyed.
All vehicles must be booked through the Ballycastle office.
Journey times 40 minutes.

Places to stay on Rathlin Island.

Rathlin Guest house. 
                              The Quay, Rathlin Island,
                               Mr. & Mrs. Mc Curdy Tel: 028207 63917.

Soerneog Veiw Hostel.
                              Mr. & Mrs. J Mc Curdy Tel: 028207 63954.

The Manor House.
                             Miss Charlene Arnold Tel: 028207 63694.

Cottages to let:
                              The Pound House,
                                 Mount Grand   Tel: 028207 63925.

Soerneog View Hostel

More info on Rathlin

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