When the skies seem alive
Hopping on the ferry to the little island of Rathlin just six miles from the Antrim shoreline is always a joy, but even more wonderful is the sight of hundreds of guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and fulmars that greet you almost on arrival, not to mention the resident puffins. Arrive in spring, and you may see chicks hatching – especially if you head for the Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre. All the action isn’t in the air, though. Deep in that crystal blue sea are reefs and sea caves that make the perfect habitat for sponges, soft corals, anemones and hydroids, many of which can be found nowhere else in the world.
If you have more time
Explore the jewel in the crown of the Causeway Coastal Route – the Giant’s Causeway. Shrouded in legend, these 40,000 basalt columns were formed 60 million years ago and they're a pretty phenomenal sight.