RSPB Rathlin Island
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Overview
Rathlin Island, lying off Antrim's Causeway Coast, has a rare, untamed beauty. The wildlife is evident before you step ashore – the ferry crossing presents many opportunities to spot auks, gannets and gulls, with even a chance of porpoises or dolphins. Seals and eider ducks laze around the harbour at most times of the year. On the journey from the harbour to the West Light Seabird Centre, whether travelling by minibus, bicycle or foot, look out for wheatears, peregrines, stonechats, skylarks and lapwings. The RSPB’s work to create ideal habitat for choughs has paid off, and they have now returned to breed after a 20-year absence.
About the area
At its closest point, County Antrim is only 12 miles from the Mull of Kintyre, and its coastline is both beautiful and geologically diverse. Alternating sandy bays, rocky shores, high cliffs and forbidding headlands produce a dramatic scenery.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Causeway Coast Holiday Park
In an elevated location close to the seafront with views of Ballycastle Bay and Rathlin Island, this bustling holiday park is ideally located for visiting the many attractions along thi...
Marine Hotel Ballycastle
The Marine Hotel Ballycastle enjoys a wonderful location looking out to the sea on the Causeway Coast and Glens. It's a perfect base for exploration and ideal if you're taking the ferry...
Causeway Lodge
Causeway Lodge offers high-quality, contemporary accommodation in an idyllic setting on the north Antrim coast. Each of the individually designed bedrooms is thoughtfully presented and ...
The Bushmills Inn
The Bushmills Inn enjoys a prominent position in the heart of town. It offers a range of bedroom styles including spacious, creatively designed rooms that have the latest technology and...
Ballyness Caravan Park
A peacefully located, quality park with superb toilet and other facilities, on farmland beside St Columb's Rill which is the stream that supplies the famous Bushmills Distillery which i...
Another Place, The Machrie
Another Place, The Machrie enjoys a wonderful location on the Isle of Islay. This modern contemporary hotel showcases some amazing art work alongside high quality facilities. The large ...
Galgorm
Standing in 450 acres of private woodland and sweeping lawns beside the River Maine, Galgorm is a wonderful hotel-spa-resort set around a 19th-century mansion. It offers luxurious and c...
Oranmore House
Oranmore House is close to the centre of Ballymena, and enjoys a peaceful location which belies how central it actually is. Bedrooms differ in style but are well appointed with many tho...
