What's here? at Rathlin Island
Available on site
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 (1/2 cars).
Limited parking/ drop-off at Seabird Centre (1/2 cars).
Please note the Seabird Centre car park also acts as a turning point for the bus.
Cycle lock up.
Toilets and accessible toilets on-site.
Facilities also available at Ballycastle ferry terminal and on the ferry.
Facilities at West Light Seabird Centre, at Ballycastle ferry terminal and on board ferry.
In Ballycastle - There are no public toilets in the ferry terminal, there are some adjacent to the terminal and on the ferry.
On Rathlin Island - There are toilets available in the West Light Seabird Centee during opening hours only. No toilets at Craigmacagan or Roonivoolin walking trails
The visitor centre will opens from Easter Sunday most years and closes at the end of August or early September depending on weather and wildlife. Please contact us in advance for exact details. West Light Seabird Centre main viewing platform accessed by 98 steps down the cliffside.
Further 64 steps to bottom floor of lighthouse.
Staff and volunteers available to assist with seabird viewing and lighthouse information.
Coffee, tea and snacks are available from a vending machine.
Seating and picnic tables within reception building and immediately outside.
Picnic tables at Knockan's viewpoint and Kebble National Nature Reserve.
Binocular Hire
Binocular Hire
Excellent views of puffins and other seabirds at the West Light Seabird Centre from main viewing platform.
Restricted viewing from Viewing Platform immediately outside Reception Building.
Binoculars and telescopes available (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 the Mull of Kintyre. The main viewing platform at the West Light Seabird Centre is accessed by 98 steps down the cliffside.
The upper platform is wheelchair accessible, but the privately-operated buses to the West Light Seabird Centre are not.
Four mile (6.4 km) way-marked trail to Roonivoolin. Allow 2-3 hours. Begins at harbour along road however 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.
Limited provision and outreach work with schools. Please contact us for more details.
Not available on site
The distance from Rathlin Island Harbour - West Light Seabird Centre is 4.5 miles. 98 steps down to platform and 64 steps to lighthouse plus steep path.
The distance from Rathlin Island Harbour - West Light Seabird Centre is 4.5 miles. 98 steps down to platform and 64 steps to lighthouse plus steep path.
Restrictions
Visitors arriving by bus can bring dogs to the site but only assistance dogs are allowed within the Visitor Centre.
Other dogs must be tied up outside the Visitor Centre during your visit.
Walkers with dogs should note that DAERA does not allow dogs onto Kebble Nature Reserve (you must pass through Kebble on your way to the West Light).
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.