What's here? at Rathlin Island
Available on site
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.
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.
West Light Seabird Centre is only open to Saturday, 31 August
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.
Seating and picnic tables within reception building and immediately outside at the Seabird Centre.
Picnic tables at Knockan's viewpoint, Craigmacagan trail and Kebble National Nature Reserve on route to the Seabird Centre.
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 Craigmacagan trail offers an abundance of wildlife and flora including butterflies, dragonflies, Heath-spotted Orchids, and Bluebells.
The main viewing platform at the West Light Seabird Centre is accessed by 98 steps down the cliffside. T
he upper platform is wheelchair accessible, but the privately-operated buses to the West Light Seabird Centre are not.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
There is no off-road access for vehicles. There is seating available at the Craigmacagan trail. Sections of the trails are rough, hilly, and uneven.
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.
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.
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.