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Copyright | | Rathlin
Island in Northern Ireland is known as 'bird island'. It is an inhabited island
with a population of just 80 people. This wildlife paradise is a rugged
outcrop lies just six miles off the North Antrim coast. Rathlin is great
for bird watching with tens of thousands of seabirds. | |  | Spring is when islands are bursting with life and energy
- and this is a great season to watch wildlife. | |  | - Check out island nature watching opportunities from
birds and bees to flowers and fauna.
| | | Rathlin
- Visitor Guide | | Address: | near
Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. | | Telephone: | Antrim
Net 028 2177 2100
RSPB - 028 9049 1547 Information - 02820 763948 Caledonian
MacBrayne Ferries - 028 2076 9299. Ballycastle Tourist Information Centre
on 028 2076 2024 | | Fax: | Antrim
Net - 0217 72129 | | e-mail | rathlin@nacn.org
info@antrim.net | | Detailed
map: | | | Ordnance
Survey: | OS ref. 095515 | | Key
attractions: | Bird watching. Wild
walks, nature watching, cycling (bike hire). Wild flowers. Irish Hares. Ìý The
area and cliffs offer great views of Puffins, Guillemots and Kittiwakes.
There is also a viewing platform accessed by 89 steps down the cliffside. | | Essential
kit: | Binoculars and scopes for
bird watching. Binocular hire available on site. Walking shoes. | | Nature
watching tips: | April onwards is
the best time to visit. The birds are most active during mornings and evenings
- but they are especially good in late afternoon when the setting sun illuminates
the area. Ìý From mid-April look out for seabirds including Guillemots,
Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Puffins, Shags and Gannets. | | Access: | New
developments in 2007 will make access easier. From 2007, there will be toilets
and disabled facilities at the car park level.
For more information,
contact the warden - 028 9049 1547.
| | Getting
there: | Located 6 miles from Ballycastle
where there is a ferry service to the island. Private boats for charter also operate
from Ballycastle Harbour. No cars are permitted on Rathlin Island. Ìý Ferry
service in late spring and summer from Ballycastle
Adult Return £8.60;
Children (5 and under 16) £4.30. Family ticket also available. Booking Required
- Telephone 028 20769299. Average time - 45 minutes.
Ìý Don't think
of bringing your car here - instead there are taxis and a mini-bus service.
There's
only two ways of independent travel on the island - on foot or by pushbike. A
bike is an excellent way of getting around the island which is seven miles long
by two miles wide. Ìý Accommodation available. | | Opening
times: | Rathlin Island Cliffs (RSPB):
Open 11 am-3 pm daily from April to mid-September. Ìý Visitor centre
open from 1 April-31 August.
Contact the warden prior
to visit - 028 9049 1547.
No toilet facilities are currently available.
| | Charges: | Free,
but donations welcome. |
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