Rathlin Island Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
island in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK
About Rathlin Island
Rathlin was created by the same outpouring of lava that formedGiant's Causeway, and its sea cliffs and bird life are its main attractions. It's poor land for farming, and its outlying position made it vulnerable to raids by Vikings and others. Outcasts such as Robert the Bruce of Scotland have occasionally taken refuge here, only to bring down murderous reprisals upon the entire population. In the 18th century it was briefly industrial thanks to kelp, then morphed in Victorian times into a tourist resort. In 2021 a five-year project was launched to rid the island of its rats and ferrets, to protect the ground-nesting birds.
Top Attractions in Rathlin Island
Explore the best things to see and do in Rathlin Island:
- ★Church of the Immaculate Conception
- ★Rathlin Boathouse Visitor Centre
- ★RSPB Seabird Centre
- ★St Thomas' Church
Where to Stay in Rathlin Island
- 🏨Arkell House B & B
- 🏨Kinramer Cottage
- 🏨Manor House
- 🏨Rathlin Glamping Pods
Rathlin Island Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: