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Rathlin Island
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Accessibility

5 April 2013

Before you visit 

  • Seabird centre open from 10 am to 4 pm daily, Easter-end of August only
  • Free entry. Donations very welcome
  • Registered assistance and other dogs under control/ on leads welcome. Designated hitching point outside lighthouse
  • Site leaflet and walking trail guide available.

How to get here 

  • Caledonian Macbrayne ferry from Ballycastle. Some concessions, including for passengers with disabilities
  • Private charters (pre-booking essential), tel: 028 207 62225
  • Signed Sustrans route from Rathlin harbour, 4 miles (6 km) away. Private minibus and bicycle hire on island.

Car parking

  • Designated permit only car parking for ferry users at Ballycastle harbour. Exemptions include people with disabilities. Alternative parking adjacent to Ballycastle ferry terminal building
  • Limited road-side parking at Roonavoolin
  • Limited parking/ drop-off at Seabird Centre.

Visitor centre and shop

  • Seabird Centre main viewing platform accessed by 89 steps down the cliffside
  • Staff and volunteers available to assist. 

Nature trails

  • 4 mile (6.4 km) way-marked trail to Roonivoolin. Allow 2-3 hours. Begins at harbour along paved roads. Final off-road section is rough, hilly and uneven
  • No off-road access for vehicles
  • No stiles, kissing gates, or other width restrictions
  • No seating.

Viewing facilities

  • Excellent views of puffins and other seabirds at the Seabird Centre main viewing platform
  • Restricted viewing at arrival point (step-free)
  • Binoculars and telescopes (with staff assistance)
  • Great views from Roonivoolin trail of grey and common seals, oystercatchers, ringed plovers and other wildlife
  • Panoramic views from Knockans viewpoint of Church Bay, Rue Point, Antrim coast and Mull of Kintyre. 

Toilets and baby changing facilities

  • Toilets, including accessible facilities with baby changing, at Seabird centre, at Ballycastle ferry terminal and on board Canna ferry.

Catering

  • Hot drinks available at Seabird centre
  • Refreshments, including hot food, available on the island.

Picnic area

  • Picnic sites at Seabird centre arrival point, Knockans viewpoint, and Kebble National Nature Reserve.

Education facilities

  • Limited provision and outreach work with schools.

For more information

Rathlin Island

Telephone:028207 60062