Take the route less travelled on Rathlin Island and venture south to the RSPB Roonivoolin Reserve. Amazing views of the coastline can be enjoyed as well as wildlife such as seals, irish hare and curlew.
Antrim
4 miles
5
Rathlin Village
Circular
Beach, Coastal, Lakeland
Tarmaced laneway and open fields
D147 510
D147 510
Church Bay, Mill Bay, Craigmacaghan Lough, Ushet Lough, Rue Point
Antrim Coast & Glens
The route begins at Rathlin Harbour. Follow the Shore Road to the right past the Manor House. Continue following the road past Church Bay, the disused Kelp Kiln and Mill Bay. At the end of Mill Bay, bear left to rejoin the straight tarmaced road leading south on the peninsula. Turn right onto this road and continue walking for 500m to meet Craigmacaghan Lough. Follow the route for another 800 metres, where on your right you should come across a wooden gate and a RSPB information panel highlighting the Roonivoolin Reserve. Go through the gate and follow the wooden way markers past Ally Lough on the right and Ushet Lough on the left. Continue following the wooden way markers across the open field, arriving at the fence along the cliff tops. From here stunning views of the cliffs, Church Bay and the Northern Irish coastline can be enjoyed. Continue following the fence in a southerly direction for 700m, to bear left along a fence to bring you back to the tarmac path. Land between the clifftop path and Rue Point Lighthouse is private, if you wish to continue to the lighthouse, follow the tarmac path in a southerly direction to reach the disused Kelp Kiln and the lighthouse. The route back to the harbour follows the tarmac path.
Translink - journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Rathlin Ferries - www.rathlinballycastleferry.com or 028 2076 9299
Rathlin Ferries - www.rathlinballycastleferry.com or 028 2076 9299
Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a lead.
The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility:
![]() | Café (wheelchair accessible) - May to October |
![]() | Shop |
![]() | Visitors Centre - May to Sept at Rathlin Harbour |
![]() | Disabled toilets |
Cafe, restaurant, public toilets and B + B's are all available at Rathlin Harbour.
Rathlin Island Walking Leaflet
Available at the Ferry Terminal, on the ferry, or can be downloaded on this page.
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“ | An annual Autumn favourite which clears the sinuses more than any other medecine! | ” |
“ | I enjoyed this walk very much, including seeing seals at Mill Bay. | ” |
“ | I'm quite pleased with the infomatroin in this one. TY! | ” |
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Whilst all the clubs, associations and activity operators listed on this website generally operate according to which is accepted as current best practice, it is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that they are credible and all appropriate safety standards are adhered to. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland have, nor assume, any responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the information supplied or the service and level of care afforded by any of the clubs, associations and activity operators listed on this website.
Antonio Salvadori, Canada 23 October, 2017 @ 22:50
One of the most beautiful and best birding spots I have ever been to. I loved it so much I spent a week on the island but wished I had spent longer!