Plan Your Visit

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.

To visit the RSPB West Light Seabird Centre, you can take a minibus, cycle or walk. The Seabird Centre is situated approximately 4.5 miles/7.25 kilometres from the harbour, and takes about 90 minutes to two hours to walk each way.

Two minibuses (Derek Curry: 078 2887 8915 and Francis McGinn: 077 5993 5192) run a shuttle service to and from the Centre, aiming to meet the incoming ferries in the morning and early afternoon. On quieter days, the two companies alernate, and on busier days both buses run.

The journey to the West takes about 20 minutes, and visitors are left at the Centre for about an hour before returning to the harbour.  The return journey costs £6 per person, and the buses only take cash. The RSPB have a range of charges to the centre, though RSPB members go free. They do accept cards, and are open seven days a week, 9.00am – 5.00pm, with last entry at 4.00pm.

To cycle to the Seabird Centre, or elsewhere on the island, bicycle hire is available with Soerneog View Cycle Hire, which operates throughout the season, opening at 10.00am daily. £20 per standard bike and £50 per e-bike, from 10.00am – 5.00pm. No hourly rate. It is advisable to book in advance. Cash only. To book email john_jennifer@btinternet.com or call 028 2076 3954.

Alteratively, visitors can bring a bicycle on the car ferry, the Spirit of Rathlin. Contact Rathlin Ferry for details.

For more detail on the walk to and from the West Light, see Walk NI’s page detailing the route. There are also plenty of off-road walking trails across the island, as well as places to visit and places to eat within easy walking distance of the harbour.

While up at the Seabird Centre, if you have the time and inclination, think about exploring more of the island on the Kebble or Kinramer walking trails. Back down closer to the harbour there is also the spectacular cliff-top Roonivoolin Trail, as well as the Ballyconagan Trail, which includes the World War II lookout post and beautiful views of mainland Scotland and the Inner Hebrides. And last but not least there is the recently opened Craigmacagan Trail, which is also the nearest to the harbour and quite easily added to your day before departure. The staff of the Boathouse Visitor Centre will be happy to help you plan any walks in the time you have on Rathlin.