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Islands · Northern Ireland

Rathlin Island

Also known as: Ynys Rathlin, Reachlainn, Eilean Reachlainn

In or near Ballyvoy.

Free admission🐾 Dog-friendly

Rathlin Island — island in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK.

Rathlin Island, islands in Northern Ireland

Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence

Plan your visit

Typical visit
4 h–12 h
  • Free entry
  • Dog-friendly

Getting there & planning your visit

Rathlin Island is accessible via its postcode BT54 6RT. Entry to the island is free. Please note that there is no railway station on the island.

Directions on Google Maps →

About

Rathlin Island is a island in the United Kingdom. It covers approximately 14 km². Recent population estimates put it at around 150 people. Part of British Isles. Wikidata describes it as: "island in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK". Coordinates: 55.2950°, -6.1975°.

Photo gallery

Summary from the official site

Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland's only inhabited island, offering visitors a chance to explore its rich history and natural beauty. Attractions include the Boathouse Visitor Centre and the island's Post Office, along with opportunities to learn about local conservation efforts and enjoy the scenic landscape.

Read more on the official property page.

From the Wikipedia article

Rathlin Island (Irish: Reachlainn, pronounced [ˈɾˠaxlən̠ʲ]; Local Irish dialect: Reachraidh, Irish pronunciation: [ˈɾˠaxɾˠi]; Scots: Racherie) is an island and civil parish off the coast of County Antrim (of which it is part) in Northern Ireland. It is Northern Ireland's northernmost point. As of the 2021 Census there were 141 people living on the island.

Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.

Background

History

Rathlin was probably known to the Romans, Pliny referring to "Reginia" and Ptolemy to "Rhicina" or "Eggarikenna". In the 7th century, Adomnán mentions "Rechru" and "Rechrea insula", which may also have been early names for Rathlin. The 11th century Irish version of the Historia Brittonum states that the Fir Bolg "took possession of Man and of other islands besides – Arran, Islay and 'Racha'" – another possible early variant. Rathlin was the site of the first Viking raid on Ireland, according to the Annals of Ulster. The pillaging of the island's church and burning of its buildings took place in 795. In 1306, Robert the Bruce sought refuge upon Rathlin, owned by the Irish Bissett family. He…

Sourced from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Coordinates
55.2950, -6.1975
Postcode
BT54 6RT
Parliamentary constituency
North Antrim
Population
150

Sources

Featured in these 3 guides

Other places nearby

Nearby

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Manor House, Outbuildings And Walling Rathlin Island — house in Rathlin Island, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

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Rathlin's Post Office and Shop - geograph.org.uk - 3697078📷 3

Gardens · Northern Ireland

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Marinas · Northern Ireland

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Where to eat & stay near Rathlin Island

Places to stay

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Hostels · Northern Ireland

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Caravan parks · Northern Ireland

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Caravan parks · Northern Ireland

Hayes Caravan Park

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Hostels · Northern Ireland

Ballycastle Backpackers

Ballycastle Backpackers — a hostel in northern ireland.

Places to eat & drink

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Rathlin Island?
Rathlin Island is in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (postcode BT54 6RT).
What is Rathlin Island?
Rathlin Island — island in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK.
How do I get to Rathlin Island?
Drivers can use postcode BT54 6RT.
Is Rathlin Island free to visit?
Yes, Rathlin Island is free to enter.
How do I get to Rathlin Island?
Drivers can navigate to postcode BT54 6RT. It sits within the North Antrim parliamentary constituency.