Overview

The largest island off the Northern Ireland coast, Rathlin Island is L-shaped with its southernmost extremity, Rue Point, only 8 km from the mainland. It could also be described as a stepping-stone to Scotland (it was claimed as Scottish in the 1600s), as only 18 km of North Channel separate it from Kintyre. The island is cliff-bound apart from the area around Church Bay, the only sheltered harbour. The West Light, with its viewing platform overlooking the main seabird colony, is the focal point of birdwatching in summer.

Birds

Common Eider, Red-legged Partridge, Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Gannet, chance of Golden Eagle, Common Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Corncrake, Kittiwake, Black Guillemot, large numbers of breeding Common Guillemot, Razorbill and Puffin, Short-eared Owl chance of Lesser Whitethroat, Raven, Twite

Bird news

Flightline: for bird news or to report a sighting, call 028 9146 7408.

Map

Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Discovery Series Sheet 5.

Contacts

Recorder: George Gordon, 2 Brooklyn Avenue, Bangor, Co Down BT20 5RB (tel: 028 9145 5763; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ). RSPB Northern Ireland Headquarters, Belvoir Park Forest, Belvoir Drive, Belfast BT8 4QT (tel: 028 9049 1547).

Accommodation

There are B&Bs and a hostel on the island. Contact Failte Ireland at 53 Castle Street, Belfast BT1 1GN (tel: 028 9036 5500; fax: 028 9026 5515; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; website: www.failteireland.com). You can also stay at the Manor House, which has been refurbished and is owned by the National Trust (tel/fax: 028 2076 3964; website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

Food and drink

McGuigan’s Bar at Church Bay serves food.