Days out
Rathlin Island
Rathlin IslandClosedSee opening timesCraggy cliffs meet crashing waves at the West Light Seabird Centre, located on Rathlin Island.
About
The last day of the West Light Seabird Centre opening is Saturday, 31 August.
⚠ Last entry to Rathlin Island is one hour before closing ⚠
Rathlin Island is internationally important for breeding seabirds and is home to Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony. On the west coast of the island, the cliff faces open to the Atlantic Ocean, providing the ideal place for Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Fulmars. Head to the Seabird Centre from late April to early August for close-up views of the Puffins and other seabirds as they gather in their thousands to rear their chicks. Or check out the unique ‘upside-down’ lighthouse that watches over the choppy seas.
As well as rugged cliffs, other parts of the reserve are made up of unimproved grassland and several lakes. There are off-road walking trails at Roonivoolin and Craigmacagan on the opposite end of the island. On these trails, you may be lucky enough to encounter a variety of other wildlife including Buzzards, Ravens, Snipe, Skylarks and Irish Hare. Additionally, there is important insects, flora and fauna.
Over the past 40 years, changes to farming practices have resulted in dramatic declines of the Corncrake. This species is globally threatened, and we have been working to create the ideal habitats for Corncrakes at our reserve areas at Church Bay and Craigmacagan. Our efforts are starting to pay off and the birds are now regularly returning to Rathlin Island to breed, after a 20-year absence. By walking the public roads of Church Bay, you may be lucky and hear the call of the Corncrake between mid-April to early July.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
At a glance
A permit is required to bring your car to Rathlin Island, except for residents. There are exemptions include people with disabilities.
There are public car parks nearby at the Harbour & Marina (Seafront), beside the Ballycastle ferry terminal building and Sheskburn House, which are all currently free.
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 and includes a cycle stand.
Private minibuses operate to the Seabird Centre and there is also bicycle hire available.
Toilets and accessible toilets on-site at the West Light Seabird Centre and Church Bay.
Facilities also available adjacent to the Ballycastle ferry terminal and on the ferry.
Baby changing facilities available at the West Light Seabird Centre, Church Bay and onboard the car ferry.
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.
In Ballycastle - There are no public toilets in the ferry terminal, but there are some adjacent to the terminal and on the ferry.
On Rathlin Island, there are toilets available in Church Bay and at the Seabird Centre during opening hours only.
No toilets at Craigmacagan or Roonivoolin walking trails.
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.
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.
See what’s here
Contact Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island, Ballycastle, Antrim, BT54 6RT 028 2076 0062