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 or
motorbike

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 three key airports: Belfast International, Belfast City and City of Derry Airports.


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Your journey to Rathlin

and getting around while you are here

A new ferry company now operates the Rathlin/Ballycastle Ferry. You can find information about the timetable on their website Rathlin Ferry (rathlin-ferry.com)

Two private companies run minibuses to and from the RSPB Seabird Centre at the West Lighthouse. They operate from the harbour during the summer season, collecting passengers from incoming ferries in the morning.

£5 return for adults, £3 for children (cash payment only). The journey takes about 20 minutes each way, and the bus companies usually leave passengers at the Seabird Centre for about an hour.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE FERRY TERMINAL?

We are fortunate to have free parking at the ferry terminal. It is only at really busy times during the summer that parking can be congested.

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

Our Funders

Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland's only inhabited island

rdcaoffice@gmail.com

The Resource Centre
Rathlin Island
Co. Antrim
BT54 6RT

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