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Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim

One of Ireland's first inhabited islands. Wild, rugged and extremely beautiful, Rathlin Island was inhabited as far back as 6000 BC and over the centuries grew rich, exporting axe heads and sea kelp, and later became a haven for smugglers. Robert the Bruce found courage here, Richard Branson crash landed here, and Marconi transmitted the first commercial radio signals from Rathlin. The heritage centre explains this lo and illustrious history and throws light on the island's historic treasures such as the Iron Age fort, 14th century castle, and 16th century tower house. Rathlin is surrounded by towering limestone and basalt cliffs, home to Northern Ireland's large seabird colony of guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars and puffins. Seals ply the shores and an abundance of shipwrecks make the waters here ideal for wreck diving. Inland, the quiet roads make perfect walking and cycling territory with stunning views as far as Scotland on a clear day. Music, song and dance remain at the heart of community life with regular ceilis and festivals throughout the summer, model yacht racing and a Writers’ Weekend in September.

Directions:

12 km off Ballycastle in the North East of Ireland.

Access:

Sailings from Ballycastle,Co. Antrim
Caledonian MacBrayne
Daily, year round.
Essential to book in advance.
Vehicles by special permit only.
Crossing about 45 minutes.
Capacity: 140 passengers,
Reduces to 27 from Oct 1to April 1.
Tel: +44(0)28 2076 9299
www.calmac.co.uk/rathlin
Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd They operate two ferries - the regular M.V. Canna which carries cargo and 100 passengers on a 45 minute journey and the new fast ferry service which does the crossing in 20 minutes. From July 2009 a new fast 100 seat catamaran will replace the smaller fast ferry service currently in operation. During winter there are 5 return daily sailings and in summer there are 10 return sailings daily. Web: www.rathlinballycastleferry.com < Tel: 00 44 28 20769299

Descriptions:

• Accommodation
• Activities
• Did you know?
• Population
• Size
• When to visit

Highlights:

Iron Age fort, standing stones, Robert the Bruce’s Castle, Mc Donnell's tower house, Manor House, heritage centre, lighthouses, bird sanctuary, seal colony.

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