Cycle NI - Your definitive guide to cycling in Northern Ireland

Rathlin Island

A road and track route west across this beautiful island. From harbour-side seals to the clamorous seabird colony, four miles of heath and ancient meadow provide a wealth of wildlife to enjoy.

County

Antrim

Distance

14 miles

Nearest Town

Church Bay

OS Map

Route Type

Coastal

Route Shape

Circular

AONB

Antrim Coast & Glens

Grid Ref (Start)

D145509

Public Roads

On Public Road

Grid Ref (End)

D145509

Terrain

A steep ascent from the harbour in Church Bay, then fairly level, tarmac road for three miles. Dismount at the two cattle grids. Rough, unfenced, gravel track for final mile.

Point of Interest

Harbour side activities and amenities including Boathouse visitor centre. Emigration Memorial, with views to East Lighthouse, Kintyre, FairHead and Causeway Coast.
Cliff side, culitvated and grazed fields, provide habitat for Northern Ireland's only breeding pair of chough. Ancient meadows, rich in botanical interest are hidden havens for hares. A Neolithic quarry site, where Stone Age men extracted porcellanite for fashioning into tools and weapons is situated at the base of a rocky coutcrop in the middle of the island. Wheatears, stonechats and skylarks fill the air with sounds, while peregrines, buzzards and ravens watch for prey. The seabird colony, viewed from the RSPB Seabird Centre, is dramatically situated against cliffs and ocean swell.

Route Description

Rathlin Island from Church Bay to the RSPB Seabird Centre.

At harbour choose: 1.) Go left, pass shop, turn right at church and ascend steeply to chapel or: 2.) Go right, pass Manor House and toilets, left at McCauig's Bar and left again at crossroads to chapel.

Route bears left and continues to ascend. With its height, there are good views to west - Donegal and north Antrim coast; to south - Ballycastle, Ballycastle Beach and FairHead; to east - East Lighthouse and Kintyre.

The road continues through heath and meadow to the nature reserves at the western end of the island. Take care to dismount at the second cattle grid. The road here becomes a rough, gravel track leading to spectacular views from the RSPB Seabird Centre.

Getting to the Start

Rathlin Island Ferry Service from Ballycastle.
Tel 028 207 69299

Booking recommended

Route starts at arrival to Rathlin Harbour.

Traffic

Generally traffic is restricted to Islanders only, so apart from a minibus there are few cars and farm vehicles. Walkers also use this route and there may be cattle on the unfenced stretch through the nature reserve.

Facilities

Car parking at ferry terminal
Cycle hire on island 207 63954
Accommodation, refreshment and toilets at Church Bay.
Refreshments and toilets at the RSPB Seabird Centre.

Information for People with a Disability

This route has accessible toilet facilities.

Disabled badge holders may travel with vehicle to island.
Mainly public, tarmac road with rough gravel section at end (1 mile). Main viewing area at RSPB Seabird Centre is accessed by 87 steps, but scenic views of the seabird colony can be enjoyed from the road level.