Explore Rathlin Island… a hidden treasure

Visit Rathlin and experience another world!

Rathlin has it all. The scene of many great moments in history and invention. Marvellous scenery and a thriving seabird colony. Not to mention a unique insight into island life. And all just 45 minutes away by ferry from the mainland. Visit beautiful Rathlin Island off the North Antrim coast and you are in line for a rare experience.

Ireland's largest inhabited offshore island, Rathlin is steeped in history, mythology and the wonders of nature.

Although a relatively small island - it is nowhere more than 0.5km across - it has taken centre stage in many momentous events down through the centuries.

Visit the Boathouse Visitor Centre and find out how it was settled by early Christian monks, plundered by Vikings and, famously, became the hiding place for Robert Bruce, King of Scotland in 1306 when he was fleeing from Edward 1 of England.

Imagine the scene in the cave on Rathlin, as Bruce, it is said, took heart from a spider's successful efforts to bridge a gap with its web and was inspired to regain his Scottish crown!

There is much to pack into your visit, following your 45-minute passenger ferry crossing from the nearby seaside resort of Ballycastle.

See the site of one of the most significant achievements in recent history. In 1898, beside the entrance to the East Lighthouse, Guglielmo Marconiand his assistants set up the world's first commercial radio transmission across the water from Rathlin to Ballycastle. Marvel at the technological advances that have ensued since as you view the concrete base for Marconi's apparatus that still remains!

Take a walk, hop on a minibus or hire a bicycle and traverse the L-shaped island. Enjoy the great scenery, including several reed-fringed trout lakes and wondrous floral colours. See the dramatic lighthouses - Rathlin has been a beacon for mariners since 1856.

View, with awe, the island's spectacular seabird colony. Or drop into the Manor House where many islanders ply traditional skills from ceramics to woodcarving.

On your visit, you are bound to hear too about how the explorer, Richard Branson quite literally 'dropped by' in 1987 when he landed in the sea, just off the Bull Point at Rathlin, with his hot-air balloon after his transatlantic crossing!

For further information on ferry service, contact ferry operator:
Caledonian MacBrayne
Tel: 0044 (0) 2820 769299
Web: www.calmac.co.uk

For county profiles, suggested drives and great holiday ideas, click here

FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above, or on the area in general, please contact:

Causeway Coast & Glens
11 Lodge Road
Coleraine
BT52 1LU
Northern Ireland

Tel: 0044 (0) 28 7032 7720
Fax:0044 (0) 28 7032 7719

Email: mail@causewaycoastandglens.com
Web: www.causewaycoastandglens.com