Plan Your Visit

Discover Rathlin

Rathlin is the perfect distance from nearby Ballycastle for a daytrip

You can pack a lot in, but leave the island revived.

Why not stay-cation or grab a few days away to experience somewhere special? Whatever your travel plans are, getting here is part of the charm and experience. Once you step on the ferry, you can leave your cares and troubles behind for a short while as you join us on our island that we call home.

Your journey to Ballycastle, the gateway to Rathlin

Travelling by car

If you do not live close to a bus route, travelling by car or motorbike is the easiest way to travel to Ballycastle. Located just over an hour’s drive from Belfast and from Derry, and about three hours from Dublin, we are well served with free parking near in the harbour area.

Leave your car at home and
come by bus

There are no rail links to Ballycastle. However, Ballycastle is connected to the Translink service. For timetable information check their website https://www.translink.co.uk/timetables

Nearby ports

If you’re travelling from further afield either domestically or internationally, Northern Ireland has two main ports, Belfast and Larne. We also have three key airports: Belfast International, Belfast City and City of Derry Airports.

 

Northern Ireland has two key ports for travel from Great Britain; unfortunately, none of these ports and airports are well connected by public transport to our island. However, with a little forward planning, you can hire a car or plan your public transport journey.

Your journey to Rathlin

and getting around while you are here

Plan your travel on Rathlin

Once you arrive on Rathlin Island, your next step is to decide where you would like to visit first and how you wish to get around. If you would like to visit the RSPB Seabird Centre and West Lighthouse, you can either hop on one of the 2 buses (please note the drivers can only accept cash and the tickets are £6 per person) of you can hire a bicycle. To book a bicycle, contact John and Jennifer on 028 2076 3954 or email john_jennifer@btinternet.com. If you wish to walk, the distance from the harbour to the West Lighthouse is approximately 4 miles.

There are plenty of designated walks, places to visit and places to eat within walking distance of the harbour/ marina.

RATHLIN ISLAND FERRY TIMETABLE

Are you ready to visit and explore Rathlin? We hope so and we hope you enjoy your time with us.

download timetable