Tourist Attractions
Getting about
Crafts
Events
Visitor Centre
Refreshments and shops
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) manages a stretch of basalt cliffs along the north coast of Rathlin, where Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony breeds . Visitors are not encouraged to venture along these cliffs due to safety reasons . Magnificent views can be seen from the West Light Viewpoint where you can also watch the activities of puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes razorbills, and fulmars as they raise their young during the summer months . The viewing area is only accessible under supervision of the RSPB warden, who can be contacted on +44 (0) 28 2076 3948 or check their web site www.rspb.org.uk for further details .
A wide variety of other birds can also be seen on the island,
including peregrins, buzzards, wheatears, stonechats, manx shearwaters and
skuas . Breeding lapwing, snipe, sedge warblers and reed buntings can often be
seen on the freshwater marshes, and little grebes, tufted ducks, moorhens and
coots can be seen in small loughs along the roadside.
Grey and common seals
are generally to be seen basking on the rocks around the island, and sometimes
schools of dolphins and porpoises can be seen in the Channel . There are also
some of the rarer species of bats near the Church.
A wide range of interesting and often rare wild flowers brighten the island in spring and summer . In spring, yellow gorse blossom, known locally as "whin", covers the hillsides, to be replaced later in the year with western gorse, contrasting vividly with the various shades of purple produced by three species of heather . Orchids and primroses also provide colour at different times of the year . More detailed information on flora can be obtained from the RSPB.
The National Trust should be opening up a route through their property at Ballyconagan this year with signage to indicate the way to the old Coastguard Lookout . For further details please contact The National Trust at: +44 (0) 28 2073 2143 . Walking and cycling are two of the best ways to see the island . Most of the road surfaces are suitable for cycling and are safe for walking as there are few motor vehicles . The three main walks are: to the West Light Viewpoint, a circular route towards the north east corner, and south to Ushet and Rue Point . Alternatively, visitors can see the island from the comfort of one of the regular minibus tours.
The Island can lay claim to two successful resident artists, Paddy Burns and Penny Sewell . They specialise in woodcarving to interpret the many island based stories, legends and themes from Celtic mythology . They offer carving tuition on the island and exhibit throughout the country.
|
We also have a wide range of annual events where visitors are always welcome . The Rathlin Festival takes place in July, when there is a week of music and celebration . The various competitions in our model yacht racing season from Easter to August are well worth a visit, and our sports day is held in August when home-made rafts race around the harbour . |
 |
Anyone interested in knowing more about Rathlin Island should visit
the Boat House Visitor Centre, within easy walking distance of the ferry . Here
you will find helpful and friendly information on the island's history, as well
as displays, photographs and articles . This is where the island's past is kept
safely for posterity and interpreted for visitors.
The Boat House opening
times :
Open 7 days per week from May to August, 11.00am - 4.00pm
.
Admission : Free
McCuaig's Bar and Bruce's Kitchen are both centrally located close
to the ferry terminal . Bruce's Kitchen serves snacks, lunch and evening meals
. The Manor House serves evening meals to non-residents, only by prior
arrangement . For further information
Phone McCuaig's Bar : +44 (0)28 2076
3974
Bruce's Kitchen : 07740586898
The Manor House : +44 (0) 28 2076
3964
The Shop is situated close to the ferry terminal and offers a range of
basic foodstuffs (opening hours during June - September 10.00am - 4.00pm)
.
The Craft Shop, opposite the Boathouse Visitors Centre, stocks craft products and confectionary . Locally produced crafts are on sale from the
Manor House reception and the Rathlin Boathouse Visitors centre .
Welcome - Ferry Details - Tourist Attractions - History
This document is maintained by
whitrush_designs@yahoo.co.uk.
Material
Copyright © 2004 John & Jennifer McCurdy