Rathlin Island Walks and Map
This walk explores the RSPB Roonivoolin Reserve on Rathlin Island off the coast of County Antrim.
The island is a wonderful place for bracing walks, cliff top views and birdwatching. You can visit the island by catching a ferry from Ballycastle to the ferry port at Rathlin Island. From here you can pick up trails around the pretty harbour before heading south to the reserve and the lighthouse at the southern tip of the island.
Rathlin Island Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Rathlin Island Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
In Ballycastle you can try the Ballycastle Fair Head Walk. The circular loop walk takes you around a beautiful headland with some spectacular cliff top views. Near here you could also visit the historic ruins of Kinbane Castle and the noteworthy Torr Head. The scenic area is notable as the closest point in Northern Ireland to Scotland, with only 12 miles separating them across the Irish Sea.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Rathlin Harbour, Church Bay, Rathlin Island. Rathlin is the only inhabited offshore island of Northern Ireland, with a steadily growing population of approximately 150 people, and is the most northerly inhabited island off the coast of Northern Ireland.
Roonivoolin Trail, Rathlin Island. Rathlin Island serves as a secluded haven for breeding seabirds, boasting Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony. Positioned along the west coast, the cliffs overlook the vast Atlantic Ocean, providing a perfect nesting ground for a variety of species including Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Fulmars, and even Corncrakes. Stroll along the clifftops on the off-road Roonivoolin walking trail and try to spot the numerous seabirds. From late April to early July, visit the Seabird Centre for up-close views of Puffins and other seabirds gathering in large numbers. Don't miss the unique 'upside-down' lighthouse, a distinctive feature overlooking the turbulent seas.
Oweydoo. Most of this square area is rough grassland, dropping abruptly to the sea on the west (left) of this view. The northern part of Rathlin Island is on the horizon.
In addition to the rugged cliffs, the reserve encompasses unimproved grassland and several lakes. Roonivoolin, situated at the island's southernmost tip, provides a habitat where Lapwings, Corncrakes, Snipe, and Irish Hares flourish. Over the past four decades, changes in farming practices have led to significant declines in these species. Efforts have been made to create optimal habitats for Corncrakes at reserves such as Church Bay, Craigmacagan, Knockans, and Roonivoolin. These conservation initiatives are yielding positive results, with the birds now making regular returns to Rathlin Island for breeding, following a 20-year absence.
South Lighthouse
Ushet Port. Ushet Port. A port in the Celtic sense - just an inlet where small craft can tie up out of the force of the waves - near the southern tip of Rathlin Island. The Antrim mainland near Fair Head D1743 looms through the sea mist, some 6 km away.
Derelict farmstead on Rathlin Island